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Jorge Jesus Defines Cristiano Ronaldo’s Role in His New-Look Portugal
Portugal’s new head coach has named his first post-World Cup squad — and made his plans for CR7 clear from the start.
There were several names to watch when Jorge Jesus unveiled his first squad as Portugal head coach, but none attracted more attention than Cristiano Ronaldo. With the 2026 World Cup over and a new era beginning on the sidelines, Jesus has made his position on the captain clear.
Cristiano is among the 25 players called up for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. At 41, and after playing the final World Cup of his career, CR7 still has a place in the project Jesus is beginning to build.
The call-up does not represent a change of plans for Ronaldo, who had already left the door open to continuing his international career after the World Cup. What is new is that Jesus also sees him as part of his plans as Portugal begin making their first adjustments in the post-World Cup era.
Jesus Blends Continuity With Fresh Faces
Portugal’s new head coach has not opted for a complete overhaul. Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Vitinha remain part of the core, alongside other established names such as Rúben Dias, Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
There are, however, signs of change. Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva are the four new additions to Jesus’ first squad.
The challenge will be to begin shaping Portugal’s future without immediately moving on from the players who have led the national team in recent years. Cristiano’s inclusion confirms that, at least at the start of this new chapter, Portugal’s biggest icon remains part of the project.
Portugal’s Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares.
Defenders: João Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes, Nuno Tavares.
Midfielders: João Palhinha, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes.
Forwards: Francisco Conceição, Francisco Trincão, Rafael Leão, Pedro Neto, João Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gonçalo Ramos, Fábio Silva.
Cristiano Begins Another Chapter After His Final World Cup
The circumstances make CR7’s inclusion particularly significant. Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 1-0 defeat to Spain, bringing Cristiano’s World Cup journey to an end.
The striker had already indicated that 2026 would be his final appearance at the tournament, but that did not necessarily mean an immediate retirement from international soccer. Jesus’ first squad now confirms that there are still more games to come in a Portugal shirt.
For Cristiano, it also represents another opportunity to add to an international career that began more than two decades ago. The circumstances have changed and so has the head coach, but Ronaldo’s name remains on Portugal’s squad list.
Nations League Marks the Start of the Jorge Jesus Era
The UEFA Nations League will provide the first glimpse of how Jesus intends to reshape a Portugal team looking to respond after its disappointing World Cup exit.
His first squad combines continuity with new options, keeping much of the established core together while beginning to open the door to other players.
The World Cup closed one chapter for Cristiano Ronaldo, but the arrival of Jorge Jesus has not ended his role with Portugal. The new head coach’s first squad confirms that CR7 remains part of the present while Portugal begin building for the future.
Key Takeaways
- Jorge Jesus included Cristiano Ronaldo in his first squad as Portugal head coach.
- CR7 remains with the national team after playing the final World Cup of his career in 2026.
- Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva are the four new additions to the squad.
