Ronaldo, 41, Selected for Portugal Nations League Squad

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in new Portugal manager Jorge Jesus’ first 25-man squad for the team’s opening UEFA Nations League matches, indicating that his international career will continue after the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo, who has said the tournament will be his final World Cup and has suggested this could be his last year in football, has not announced an immediate retirement from international soccer. Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said the 41-year-old will be selected and start based on performance rather than reputation. Portugal will begin defending its Nations League title against Wales on September 24, followed by away matches against Norway and Denmark and a home match against Norway between September 27 and October 4. The squad also includes Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha, Fábio Silva and goalkeeper Samuel Soares, alongside established players including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rafael Leão. Ronaldo enters the international window with 146 goals for Portugal and 979 career goals overall, within reach of the 1,000-goal milestone.