Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Jesus’ first Portugal squad, bringing an end to the uncertainty surrounding his international future after Portugal’s disappointing World Cup exit in July.

The 41-year-old forward had refused to confirm whether he would continue playing for his country following Portugal’s round-of-16 defeat by eventual champions Spain, leaving open the possibility that his international career had reached its conclusion. However, new Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has selected Ronaldo in his 25-man squad for four Nations League fixtures scheduled between 24 September and 4 October.

The decision means Ronaldo will continue his extraordinary international career under a manager who already knows him well from their time together at Al-Nassr. Jorge Jesus, 72, replaced Roberto Martinez after the former Belgium coach stepped down following Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

Jesus’ first Portugal squad includes Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s inclusion in Jesus’ first Portugal squad is significant because the veteran forward had left his future with the national team undecided after the World Cup.

Portugal’s defeat by Spain was an emotional conclusion to their campaign, with Ronaldo pictured in tears following the final whistle. When asked about his international future afterwards, he did not commit to continuing, instead saying: “I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head.”

Those comments immediately created speculation that Ronaldo could follow Lionel Messi in bringing his international career to an end, particularly given his age and the disappointment of Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

Instead, his selection confirms that Ronaldo remains available for the next stage of Portugal’s international schedule, at least for now.

The upcoming international break will therefore provide another opportunity to see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner represent his country, although his presence also raises questions about how Portugal will manage his role as he approaches the latter stages of his career.

Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer’s Nations League finals and will be 43 by the time Euro 2028 arrives. His longevity at international level remains remarkable, particularly considering that Portugal have already moved into a new coaching era.

A familiar manager for Ronaldo

There is also a personal connection between Ronaldo and Jesus that makes his selection particularly notable.

Jesus was Ronaldo’s club manager at Al-Nassr last season, with the pair helping the Saudi Arabian club win the Saudi Pro League for the first time in seven years. Their previous working relationship means the new Portugal coach is already familiar with Ronaldo’s qualities, personality and role within a dressing room.

Jesus now faces the challenge of transferring that relationship into the international environment, where expectations surrounding Ronaldo remain enormous.

The forward has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, making him one of the most prolific international players in football history. His experience will also be valuable to a Portugal side entering another period of transition after Martinez’s departure.

Ronaldo’s continued presence means Jesus can call upon a player who has experienced multiple European Championships, World Cups and major international finals, while younger players in the squad can continue to benefit from playing alongside him.

Portugal squad prepares for busy international break

Ronaldo is not the only major name included in the squad. Manchester United pair Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes have both been selected, while Manchester City defender Ruben Dias and Chelsea forward Pedro Neto are also part of the group.

The squad will now prepare for four Nations League matches in a short period, beginning with a home fixture against Wales on 24 September.

Portugal then travel to face Norway three days later before heading to Denmark for another match on 1 October. Their fourth fixture comes on 4 October, when Norway visit Portugal.

The schedule will give Jesus an early opportunity to establish his methods and assess the squad following his appointment, while Ronaldo will have the chance to begin working under his new national-team manager in competitive matches.

The timing is particularly interesting because Ronaldo had already announced that the 2026 World Cup would be his final World Cup appearance. His decision to remain available for Portugal, however, means that the end of his World Cup career does not necessarily mark the end of his international journey.

His age will inevitably remain a talking point, especially as Portugal look towards the next European Championship cycle, but his selection demonstrates that Jesus still considers him part of the national-team picture.

Ronaldo’s international story continues

Ronaldo’s future with Portugal has been a recurring subject of discussion since the World Cup ended, but his inclusion in the squad provides the clearest indication yet that he is not ready to walk away from international football.

The next international break will consequently carry an added layer of interest for Portugal supporters, who will get to see how Jesus uses the veteran forward after their successful season together at Al-Nassr.

For Ronaldo, it represents another chapter in a remarkable international career that has already produced 146 goals and 233 appearances for Portugal.

Whether he eventually reaches Euro 2028 remains unknown, but for now, the decision appears to have been made: Ronaldo is still part of Portugal’s plans, and the new era under Jesus will begin with one of the country’s most celebrated players still wearing the national shirt.