Ronaldo retains Portugal spot as Jesus prioritises performance over legacy
New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has included the 41-year-old captain in his first 25-man squad, asserting that selection criteria are based on current form rather than historical accolades.
Cristiano Ronaldo has secured a place in Portugal’s 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, marking a significant decision for new manager Jorge Jesus. The appointment follows the departure of Roberto Martinez in July, with Jesus taking charge of the national team after Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. The squad announcement sets the tone for Jesus’s tenure, which begins with a home fixture against Wales on 24 September.
The inclusion of the 41-year-old captain has drawn attention given his recent comments suggesting the coming year may be his final season in professional football. Ronaldo, who made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, remains one of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. His trophy cabinet includes major honours won with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and his current club, Al Nassr.
Despite his status as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Jesus has framed the selection as a matter of institutional merit rather than individual prestige. Speaking at a news conference, the 72-year-old manager stated that Ronaldo’s performance is the primary factor in his inclusion. “The past doesn’t count,” Jesus said, adding that while Ronaldo has a different status due to his awards, that distinction does not directly influence his tactical decisions.
Jesus emphasised that his squad does not rely on a fixed core, noting that 13 players in the current group have previously worked with him. He described Ronaldo as a player like any other, subject to the same performance-based criteria: if he performs, he plays; if not, he does not. This approach aims to reset the governance of the national team, moving away from reliance on legacy figures towards a meritocratic structure.
Portugal’s schedule for the Nations League includes a home match against Wales on 24 September, followed by away trips to Norway on 27 September and Denmark on 1 October. The campaign concludes with a home fixture against Norway on 4 October. These matches will serve as the initial test for Jesus’s managerial philosophy and the continued relevance of Ronaldo’s international career.
The selection comes amid speculation regarding Ronaldo’s long-term future. Although he confirmed in July that the 2026 World Cup would be his last appearance in that competition, he has been unwilling to make a hasty decision on his international retirement. The upcoming fixtures will provide a practical assessment of his current form, a key metric for Jesus’s squad management.
