Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s first squad under new head coach Jorge Jesus, as the defending Nations League champions prepare for four upcoming matches.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain remains part of the national team despite ongoing speculation over his international future and retirement plans.

Ronaldo said in August that the upcoming year could potentially be the final year of his playing career, adding further uncertainty over how much longer he will continue to represent Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner confirmed in July that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final World Cup appearance. Portugal’s campaign ended in the last 16 against eventual champions Spain, meaning Ronaldo will finish his career without winning football’s biggest international trophy.

Despite the disappointment, Ronaldo has retained his place in the Portugal squad under Jorge Jesus.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Jesus stressed that Ronaldo’s performances would determine whether he plays.

“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” Jesus said.

The new Portugal coach also played down the importance of Ronaldo’s legendary status when making selection decisions.

“Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t,” Jesus said.

Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo has a unique status because of his five Ballon d’Or awards, but said that would not influence his decisions.

Ronaldo has enjoyed an extraordinary club career since making his senior debut for Sporting in 2002. He has won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before continuing his career with Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr.

Under Jesus, Portugal will face Wales, Denmark and Norway twice in their four Nations League fixtures during the extended three-week international window.

The squad also includes several of Portugal’s established stars, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes and João Neves.

Portugal Squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), Samuel Soares (Benfica)

Defenders: Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Tavares (Lazio), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), João Palhinha (Benfica), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Fábio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Francisco Trincão (Al-Ahli), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Gonçalo Ramos (AC Milan), João Félix (Al-Nassr), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (Galatasaray)