The inclusion of Ronaldo in the squad comes despite his statement earlier this summer that the World Cup would be his last. However, he has yet to confirm when he plans to retire from international play. Ronaldo will be 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship, the next major tournament, is held.
Ronaldo's selection by Jesus marks a significant development in the Portuguese national team's rebuild following their World Cup exit. Jesus, 72, has previously coached several Portuguese clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon, and has also worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where they won the league together last season.
As the leading scorer for men's international soccer with 146 goals, Ronaldo's experience and goal-scoring ability will undoubtedly be valuable assets for Portugal in the Nations League. His greatest achievement with Portugal was helping them win the 2016 Euros, a feat that will likely be a source of motivation for the team in their upcoming matches.
Portugal will open the Nations League by hosting Wales on Sept. 24, before facing Norway away three days later and then in Denmark on Oct. 1, before hosting Norway on Oct. 4.