Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nassr), who recently hinted at a possible retirement from professional soccer, has once again been named to the Portugal national team.
On September 18, Portugal’s new head coach, Jorge Jesus, unveiled a 25-player roster for the upcoming Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League four-match series. Team captain Ronaldo made the cut for Jesus’s inaugural national team selection.
Last month, Ronaldo openly discussed the possibility of hanging up his cleats. The superstar forward suggested that the 2026-27 season might be his swan song, indicating that retirement could be on the horizon.
Despite this, Ronaldo’s position on the national team remains rock-solid. He has amassed an incredible 233 caps for Portugal, netting 146 goals – both all-time records in men’s international soccer.
However, newly appointed coach Jesus made it clear that he’ll base his lineup decisions on current form rather than past glories when it comes to Ronaldo.
Performance is what matters, Jesus stated bluntly. The past is irrelevant. Ronaldo is just like any other player. If he’s in form, he’ll play. If not, he won’t.
The coach added that it’s true that he has a different status compared to other players. He’s a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. But that won’t influence his decisions.
Ronaldo kicked off his pro career with Sporting CP in 2002 before stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. He currently plies his trade for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese icon has claimed the prestigious Ballon d’Or five times and boasts an eye-popping trophy haul that includes five UEFA Champions League titles and eight domestic league championships.
Ronaldo has long been the face of the Portugal national team, leading them to glory in the 2016 UEFA European Championship. However, the World Cup trophy has eluded his grasp.
Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup journey ended in the Round of 16 with a loss to eventual champions Spain. This likely marked Ronaldo’s final shot at World Cup glory.
In the wake of Portugal’s World Cup exit, head coach Roberto Martinez stepped down. The Portuguese Football Federation tapped Jorge Jesus as his replacement in July.
Jesus will make his debut at the helm of the Portugal national team on September 24 in a home clash against Wales.
Portugal’s schedule then takes them on the road to face Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1, before returning home to host Norway on October 4.
