Portugal have removed the immediate question over Cristiano Ronaldo's international future, naming the 41-year-old in Jorge Jesus' first squad and keeping him available for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Jesus selected a 25-player group for four matches across late September and early October, confirming Ronaldo will travel with Portugal between 24 September and 4 October. The former Al-Nassr coach has taken charge after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Portugal's World Cup exit.
The 72-year-old worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, when the club won the Saudi Pro League for the first time in seven years. Ronaldo remains registered as an Al-Nassr forward and will carry his international record of 146 goals in 233 appearances into the Nations League campaign.
Ronaldo had left his international future uncertain after Portugal's round-of-16 defeat by Spain at the World Cup, refusing to confirm whether he would continue. He said at the time, "I will meet the family and take decisions with a calm head." He also announced the summer's tournament would be his last, and was reported to be emotional after the exit.
The squad includes Manchester United duo Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Chelsea's Pedro Neto. Portugal host Wales on 24 September at 19:45 BST, travel to Norway three days later, then play in Denmark on 1 October before returning home to face Norway on 4 October.
Age remains a background issue: Ronaldo will turn 42 before next summer's Nations League finals and will be 43 by Euro 2028. For context, Portugal team-mate Pepe is the oldest player in European Championship history, at 41 years and 130 days for his last game at Euro 2024.
For now, Jorge Jesus has signalled he wants Ronaldo available as Portugal begin this Nations League cycle, and selection decisions for each fixture will follow as the campaign approaches.
