Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, keeping the 41-year-old forward involved in international football after the 2026 World Cup.
New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus named Ronaldo in his first squad on Friday for four Nations League fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark. Portugal will host Wales on September 24 before travelling to Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1, followed by another home match against Norway on October 4.
Ronaldo Continues International Career
Ronaldo had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his last appearance at the tournament and later said that the coming year would probably be the final year of his playing career. However, he has not announced a specific date for his retirement from international football.
His inclusion in Jesus’ first Portugal squad means he remains available for the national team as it begins a new cycle following the World Cup.
Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, said selection would be based on current performances. The two were part of the Al-Nassr setup last season when the club won the Saudi Pro League title.
Ronaldo Chasing 1,000 Career Goals
Ronaldo has scored 979 goals in his professional career and is 21 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal mark, according to current reports.
Jesus said he believed Ronaldo was more likely to score his 1,000th goal for Al-Nassr than for Portugal, given the number of opportunities available at club level.
Ronaldo is also the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals for Portugal. He helped the national team win the 2016 European Championship and the Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Portugal enter the latest Nations League campaign as defending champions.
The upcoming international fixtures will give Ronaldo another opportunity to add to his career tally while continuing his international career under Jesus.