Cristiano Ronaldo has once again been named in Portugal's squad and is also the most experienced forward in the national team at the age of 41. Jorge Jesus has selected the veteran striker in his first squad as the team prepares for UEFA Nations League 2026–27.
Ronaldo’s latest call-up is at a high point in his career. The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner has recently indicated that this season might be his last one in professional football. But his inclusion in Portugal’s latest squad means he is still in the national team setup as the country seeks to defend its Nations League title.
Portugal’s captain has one of the best international goals in football history. He has scored 146 goals in 233 games for Portugal (he is also the all-time world’s leading scorer in men’s international football). His longevity has also allowed him to achieve some milestones that few players have matched.
Cristiano Ronaldo Continues Portugal Journey At 41
Ronaldo’s selection is also significant, as Portugal are entering another coaching era with Jorge Jesus, the former Al-Nassr manager who took over the national side after Roberto Martinez left from the World Cup and Portugal’s elimination from the group stages of the World Cup in the round of 16.
Jesus already knows Ronaldo well from their time together at Al-Nassr. After leaving the Saudi Arabian club in May for the team to win the Saudi Pro League championship, Jesus worked with the Portuguese superstar. Their past relationship could be significant as Portugal prepare for another demanding international campaign.
Ronaldo also made history at the most recent World Cup by becoming the first player in the tournament to score at six editions of the tournament. But it was the performance of the player in the competition and the decision to keep relying on the veteran forward that generated much speculation.
At 41, Ronaldo's inclusion in Portugal's squad is the latest chapter in a career that spans over two decades. There is no doubt he will not continue to play at the highest level forever, but his scoring record and history make Portugal's squad so important.
Portugal Prepare To Defend Nations League Crown
Portugal will go into the new Nations League campaign as the champions. The team defeated Spain on penalties in the 2025 final, winning their second Nations League title. On September 24, the Portuguese team will start their new campaign by playing Wales in Lisbon.
Portugal will then travel to Oslo on 27 September to meet Norway. Their schedule continues with an away match against Denmark on 1 October before they meet Norway again in Porto on 4 October.
Joao Palhinha, another notable arrival of Benfica midfielder Joao Palhinha, is also in the team. Palhinha has returned after almost a year away from the national team. Borussia Dortmund forward Fabio Silva also had a call-up, and he will return to Portugal now that he had made his only senior international appearance in November 2024.
Kylian Mbappe To Captain France Under Zinedine Zidane
Portugal’s squad announcement also comes at the same time as an excellent development in France, where Zinedine Zidane has declared his first squad since taking over as head coach. The former France midfielder has picked Kylian Mbappe as the team's new captain.
Zidane was appointed France’s new coach at the end of July on a four-year deal to replace Didier Deschamps. The move is his return to the international arena as a manager, after a fairly successful period in the role of coach for Real Madrid.
Mbappe will lead a France team of some new faces. Among them is 21-year-old defender Jeremy Jacquet, who has made headlines for his move from Liverpool on the move to England this summer. Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul have also been included, with the latter receiving his first senior France call-up after a strong Ligue 1 season.
The Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes and Inter Milan midfielder or wing-back Andy Diouf are also in Zidane's first squad. Also absent are some of the established names like injured Arsenal defender William Saliba, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, and Inter forward Marcus Thuram.
France's Nations League schedule will give Zidane a direct test. France will travel to Turkey next and then play Belgium in Brussels on 28 September. France will then play Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October before hosting Belgium on 3 October.
With Ronaldo still representing Portugal at 41 and Zidane going into his new career with France, the new Nations League will see Ronaldo and Zidane continue to represent Portugal together again, whereas the legendary football icon and legendary figure starting his international coaching journey in the form of a future in football as an all-around football will be included in the title-winning team and the team will be a team that will have a future in the games at the Nations League.
