Ronaldo included in Jorge Jesus’ first Portugal squad as Al Nassr captain continues international journey
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Saudi club Al Nassr, will continue his presence on the international stage after coach Jorge Jesus included him in the first squad he has announced since taking charge of Portugal, ahead of the team’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
Ronaldo’s call-up came as part of a 25-player squad, underscoring the continued reliance on his experience as the Portuguese national team enters a new phase. For Saudi football fans, the news carries added significance because the Al Nassr captain will leave for international duty while remaining a key part of his national team’s plans.
Ronaldo present at the start of the Jesus era
According to Reuters, Jorge Jesus announced his first Portugal squad on Friday, September 18, 2026, retaining Ronaldo among his attacking options. This comes after a period of growing speculation over how much longer the Portuguese star would continue playing internationally, particularly following previous comments in which he indicated that next year could be the final one of his playing career.
Ronaldo’s presence in the squad gives Jesus a captain with exceptional experience in international matches, but it also opens a new phase concerning how he will be deployed within a tactical system that is changing under a new coach. Jesus knows Saudi football well, adding a particular dimension to the relationship between the coach and Ronaldo in the national team.
Four UEFA Nations League matches
Portugal, the reigning UEFA Nations League champions, are preparing to play four matches in the coming period in the competition. These fixtures represent Jesus’ first practical test with the national team and give the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the balance between the experienced players and the other faces in the squad.
Ronaldo will remain one of the leading names attracting attention, not only because of his lengthy international record, but also because every new appearance for Portugal renews discussion about his remaining goals in the final phase of his career. According to data previously published by the Portuguese Football Federation, the player has maintained his place among the national team’s options for years while pursuing his career with Al Nassr.
Saudi interest in the return of Al Nassr’s captain
From Al Nassr’s perspective, managing the physical workload will be an important factor during the international break, as Ronaldo has commitments with his club in a competitive domestic season. The club’s supporters will follow his appearances for Portugal and then his return to Riyadh, particularly because any additional strain from international matches could affect his recovery and preparation schedule for domestic fixtures.
The call-up itself does not necessarily mean that Ronaldo will start every match, as the decision will remain linked to Jesus’ tactical choices and the player’s physical condition. However, it confirms that the Al Nassr captain remains part of the Portuguese project at the beginning of the new era.
A new phase for Portugal
Portugal enters this phase with the ambition of maintaining its competitive ability as a new coaching cycle begins. Jesus has a large group of experienced players from European leagues, alongside Ronaldo, who continues his career in the Saudi Pro League.
The coach’s biggest challenge will be to build a clear identity for the team while achieving early results, at a time when Ronaldo’s involvement will remain one of the most closely followed stories at every upcoming international gathering.
Sources
Reuters, September 18, 2026: Announcement of Jorge Jesus’ first squad for the Portugal national team. Portuguese Football Federation: Data and call-up record for the senior national team.
