Cristiano Ronaldo has retained his place in Portugal’s national team after new head coach Jorge Jesus included the veteran forward in his first squad, ending speculation that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be dropped following the managerial change.
The 41-year-old captain remains part of Portugal’s plans as Jesus begins a new era after taking charge of the national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ronaldo is among eight attackers selected for the squad, alongside Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.
His inclusion signals that Jesus still sees the former Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus star as a key figure despite growing debate over his international future.
Portugal’s midfield features Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha and Ruben Neves, while the defence includes Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Inacio.
Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares were named as the team’s three goalkeepers.
Reports by BBC Sport and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad, although the Portuguese Football Federation had not published a corresponding squad announcement on its verified channels as of the time of filing this report.
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