Why I Picked Ronaldo for Portugal Squad - Jorge Jesus Explains Decision
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has explained why he selected 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo for his first squad, saying performance, not past achievements, will determine his place in the team.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans after new head coach Jorge Jesus included the 41-year-old forward in his first squad since taking charge of the national team.
Jesus announced a 25-man squad on Friday, September 18, for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark. The decision ends immediate speculation over whether Ronaldo’s international career would continue following Portugal’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Punch)
The selection was particularly significant because Ronaldo had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. In August, he also suggested that the coming season could be the final year of his playing career, prompting further questions about his future with Portugal.
However, Jesus has made it clear that Ronaldo’s age and extraordinary past achievements will not automatically guarantee him playing time.
Jesus: Performance Will Decide Ronaldo’s Place
Explaining his decision to select the veteran forward, Jesus said Ronaldo’s current performance would be the principal consideration.
“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” Jesus said at a press conference after announcing his squad.
The Portugal coach added that Ronaldo would be treated like the other players in the squad.
“Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t,” Jesus said.
At the same time, the coach acknowledged that Ronaldo occupies a unique position in world football because of his achievements. The forward has won five Ballon d’Or awards and is the leading scorer in the history of men’s international football.
Jesus, however, insisted that Ronaldo’s status would not influence his team-selection decisions.
“He has a different status - he has five Ballon d’Or awards - but does that factor into my decisions? No. However, the fact that he is different is,” he said. (Al Jazeera)
A Familiar Relationship Between Jesus and Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s inclusion also reunites him with a coach he worked under at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
Jesus coached Ronaldo during the 2025-26 season before leaving the club in May after helping Al-Nassr win the Saudi Pro League title. The relationship gives Jesus direct knowledge of Ronaldo’s training, performances and ability to contribute to a team. (Gulf News)
When Jesus was appointed Portugal coach in July, he had already indicated that Ronaldo would not automatically be a problem for his plans.
Jesus said Ronaldo was a symbol of Portugal but also emphasized that he would manage him according to his performances and physical condition. He noted that during their time together at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo was substituted several times without causing problems between the player and coach. (euronews)
That previous working relationship could therefore be important as Jesus begins a new chapter with the national team.
Ronaldo's World Cup Chapter Ends, But Portugal Career Continues
Ronaldo's selection comes after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
The tournament was significant because Ronaldo had confirmed before the competition that it would be his final World Cup. He became the first player to score at six different editions of the tournament, but Portugal's campaign ended before the team could challenge for the title.
His continuation with Portugal, therefore, represents a distinction between ending his World Cup career and ending his international career altogether.
Jesus' first squad confirms that Ronaldo remains available for the Nations League campaign, at least for now.
Portugal Begins a New Era
Jesus' appointment followed Roberto Martínez's departure after Portugal's World Cup elimination. His first squad contains a mixture of established players and new faces.
Ronaldo is joined by established figures including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Rúben Dias and Rafael Leão. Four players - Samuel Soares, Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva - are among the new additions to the squad. (beIN SPORTS)
The selection suggests that Jesus is not attempting an immediate wholesale overhaul of the team. Instead, he is retaining a significant portion of the group while introducing additional options as Portugal begins its next competitive cycle.
Jesus' first competitive matches will provide an early indication of how he intends to use Ronaldo.
Portugal will host Wales on September 24 before travelling to face Norway on September 27 and Denmark on October 1. The team will then host Norway on October 4.
Ronaldo's Role Will Be Closely Watched
Despite his age, Ronaldo remains one of the most accomplished players in international football. He has scored 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal, according to reports surrounding the squad announcement.
His continued presence also provides Jesus with an experienced option as he attempts to establish his footballing philosophy with the national team.
But the coach's comments suggest that reputation alone will not determine Ronaldo's involvement.
For Jesus, the message is straightforward: Ronaldo has earned his place in the squad, but he must continue to demonstrate that he can contribute on the pitch.
That approach could make Ronaldo's next chapter with Portugal different from previous years, when his position as the team's central figure was rarely questioned. Under Jesus, his experience and status remain important, but performance is expected to remain the determining factor.
For now, Ronaldo remains a Portugal international. Whether he starts, comes off the bench or sits out particular matches will depend on the standards set by his new coach.
As Portugal begins the post-World Cup era under Jorge Jesus, the country's most recognizable footballer remains part of the story but the coach has made clear that his future involvement will be determined by what he produces on the field.