DATE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
★ SPECIAL PRINT EDITION ★
SECTION: WORLD
Ronaldo named in first Portugal squad since World Cup - at age of 41

Ronaldo named in first Portugal squad since World Cup - at age of 41

Sep 18, 2026 - 21:32
Ronaldo named in first Portugal squad since World Cup - at age of 41
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Key Highlights

  • Ronaldo named in first Portugal squad since World Cup.
  • Jesus replaces Martinez as coach.
  • Ronaldo to play for Portugal again.

Ronaldo has been named in the first squad selected by new Portugal coach Jorge Jesus. Ending speculation about his future with international football. The 41-year-old forward is part of a 25-man group chosen for Portugal's four Nations League games between September 24 and October 4.

Jesus has replaced Roberto Martinez, who stepped down as coach after their World Cup exit. The new coach will lead Portugal in the upcoming Nations League games.

The squad includes several high-profile players. This includes Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes. As well as Ruben Dias from Manchester City and Pedro Neto from Chelsea.

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Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal

Portugal's schedule for the Nations League games is as follows: a home match against Wales on September 24. Followed by an away game in Norway three days later. The team will then play in Denmark on October 1 and host Norway on October 4.

With the new coach at the helm, Ronaldo's future with Portugal remains uncertain. However, his inclusion in the squad suggests that he may still be involved with the team going forward. The 23-year tenure of Martinez as Portugal's coach has been marked by controversy.

This includes a heated exit after the World Cup. There, Ronaldo was left to wonder if he had been unfairly targeted for 130 days.

Meanwhile, former Portugal teammate Pepe holds the record for the oldest player in Euros history, having played his final game at Euro 2024 at the age of 41. The legacy of Ronaldo's own World Cup career is also being reevaluated. With many questioning whether he should still be considered a viable option for the team.

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A Portugal fan holds a cardboard cutout of Cristiano Ronaldo with the World Cup trophy during the World Cup

A Portugal fan holds a cardboard cutout of Cristiano Ronaldo with the World Cup trophy during the World Cup

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