Cristiano Ronaldo gets a starting spot in Nations League despite his status

The 41‑year‑old Cristiano Ronaldo is once again in the starting squad of the Portugal national team for the Nations League, despite his extraordinary status, after new coach Jorge Jesus called him up on Friday to the 25‑man roster. The roster includes the first internationals since the World Cup, in which Portugal will face Wales, Norway and Denmark.

Jorge Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo is a player who is treated like any other. “A player like any other: if he delivers, he plays – if not, he doesn’t play,” the coach said on Friday.

Jesus added that Ronaldo has a different status because his career has unfolded differently. “He has won the Ballon d’Or five times. But does that play a role in my decisions? No,” he explained.

At the 2022 World Cup, Portugal fell in the round of 16 against the eventual champions Spain 0‑1. After that defeat, Ronaldo left his future in the Seleção open.

Ronaldo aims for 1,000 goals and a Nations League win as final target

The striker himself said: “There is no reason to think about it already. We will see.” He emphasized that his decision is independent of external expectations.

Ronaldo can now look back on 233 caps and 146 goals, complemented by the Euro 2016 title as well as the Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.

Portugal takes the upper hand over Wales in the Nations League

Other top players in the squad

The 25‑man roster for the matches against Wales, Norway and Denmark includes, alongside Ronaldo, Vitinha and João Neves from Paris Saint‑Germain, Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United, Bernardo Silva from Real Madrid, João Palhinha from Benfica and Dortmund’s Fábio Silva.