Lisbon, 18 September (H.S.): Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s first squad under new head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old forward has retained his place in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures and will continue to serve as captain.

Ronaldo has said that this summer’s FIFA World Cup will be his final World Cup, although he has yet to announce a specific date for his retirement from international football. He will be 43 years old during the 2028 European Championship.

The squad announced by Jorge Jesus is his first since taking charge of Portugal. Jesus assumed the role after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Portugal’s 0-1 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jesus has previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The two won the league title with the club last season. The 72-year-old Jesus is an experienced figure in Portuguese football and has previously managed clubs including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals. He played a key role in Portugal’s European Championship triumph in 2016 and has remained one of the national team’s leading players since then.

Portugal will begin its Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24. Three days later, the team will travel to face Norway. Portugal will then play Denmark away on October 1 before hosting Norway on October 4.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar