Portugal's forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group F football match between Portugal and Hungary at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on October 14, 2025. (Photo by PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP)
Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to lead Portugal into a new era after new head coach Jorge Jesus included the veteran forward in his first national team squad, ending speculation that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could be dropped following the coaching change.
The 41-year-old forward is one of eight attackers selected, alongside Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.
Jesus, who took over as Portugal coach following the 2026 World Cup, has kept the veteran forward in his plans as he begins a new cycle.
Ronaldo’s inclusion was reported by BBC Sport, while a separate report attributed to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed his place in the squad.
Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Joao Palhinha and Ruben Neves are among the midfielders selected, while Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Inacio feature in defence.
Diogo Costa, Rui Silva and Samuel Soares are the three goalkeepers.
No corresponding squad announcement had been posted on the Portuguese Football Federation’s verified channels as of press time.
