Can Cristiano Ronaldo Lead Portugal Through a New International Era

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career is continuing into a new chapter after Portugal’s new head coach, Jorge Jesus, included the 41-year-old captain in his first squad for the UEFA Nations League.

Ronaldo’s inclusion comes only weeks after he confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament. While questions remain about how much longer he will represent Portugal, his selection shows that the country’s new coaching regime still sees a role for one of the most experienced players in international football.

Portugal’s next international campaign therefore presents an interesting combination of experience and transition. Ronaldo remains one of the team’s most recognizable players, while Jesus is beginning to shape a squad that could eventually move toward a new generation.

Ronaldo Remains Part of Portugal’s Plans

Jorge Jesus selected Ronaldo in his first 25-man Portugal squad for the Nations League.

The veteran forward is joined by established players including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo and Vitinha. The squad also includes younger players who could become increasingly important to Portugal’s future.

Jesus has made it clear that Ronaldo will not automatically receive a place simply because of his reputation.

The new coach said that performance will determine selection, while acknowledging that Ronaldo has a different status because of his career and five Ballon d’Or awards.

That approach could be important as Portugal begins another phase under a new manager.

A New Coach, a New Direction

Jesus took over after Roberto Martinez left following Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.

Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat against Spain. The result brought Martinez’s time as national-team coach to an end and opened the door for Jesus to begin a new cycle.

Jesus is not completely unfamiliar with Ronaldo. Before taking charge of Portugal, he coached the forward at Al-Nassr, where they won the Saudi league title together last season.

That previous relationship could provide useful familiarity, although Jesus has indicated that Ronaldo will still be treated according to his performances.

Portugal’s Nations League Challenge

Portugal will begin its Nations League campaign against Wales on September 24.

The team will then travel to Norway on September 27 before facing Denmark on October 1. Portugal will meet Norway again on October 4.

The four matches will give Jesus an early opportunity to assess his squad and establish his preferred tactical approach.

Portugal enters the competition as the defending Nations League champion, making the tournament an important early test for the new coach.

Can Ronaldo Still Make a Difference?

At 41, Ronaldo is no longer at the same stage of his career as when he was winning major European trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

However, his international record remains significant.

Ronaldo is the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals, and helped Portugal win the European Championship in 2016. He has also represented the country at six World Cups.

His continued selection means Portugal can still benefit from his experience, particularly in matches where younger players face the pressure of international competition.

At the same time, the team cannot rely indefinitely on one player.

Portugal’s Next Generation Is Already Emerging

One of the most important challenges for Jesus will be balancing Ronaldo’s experience with the development of younger players.

Portugal already has several players who could become central figures in the national team for years to come.

João Neves, Vitinha, Rafael Leão, Francisco Conceição, Gonçalo Ramos and Pedro Neto are among the players included in the latest squad who represent a younger generation.

The presence of players such as these gives Portugal options as it gradually prepares for life beyond its veteran captain.

The new coach has also made four changes from the World Cup group, bringing in goalkeeper Samuel Soares, defender Nuno Tavares, midfielder João Palhinha and forward Fábio Silva.

Ronaldo’s Future Remains an Important Question

Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup was his final World Cup appearance. However, he has not announced a definitive end date for his international career.

That leaves open the possibility of further appearances for Portugal during the Nations League and other international fixtures.

There is also another personal milestone in the background.

Ronaldo currently has 979 career goals and is pursuing the 1,000-goal mark. New coach Jesus suggested that the milestone is more likely to be reached at club level with Al-Nassr than with Portugal.

For Ronaldo, however, the international story is about more than statistics. His presence could also help provide leadership during a period of transition.

The Bigger Test for Portugal

Portugal’s challenge is not simply whether Ronaldo can continue playing at international level. It is whether the national team can successfully combine his experience with the talent emerging behind him.

The country has a strong group of established players, while several younger footballers are already playing important roles at major European clubs.

Jesus therefore has the opportunity to build a team that can compete immediately while also preparing for the future.

The Nations League fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark will provide an early indication of how the new coach intends to approach that challenge.

A Transitional Period for a Major Football Nation

Portugal’s current situation reflects a common challenge for successful national teams: how to move forward without losing the benefits of experienced stars.

Ronaldo remains part of the squad, but the team’s future will increasingly depend on players who can eventually take greater responsibility.

For now, the transition is happening with Ronaldo still involved.

His experience, record and leadership remain significant parts of Portugal’s international setup, while Jorge Jesus begins the process of shaping the next phase.

Whether Ronaldo remains a central figure or gradually moves into a reduced role will depend largely on performances and the needs of the team.

What is certain is that Portugal’s new international era has begun with one of its most famous players still at the centre of the story.

Ronaldo’s experience could also help Portugal’s younger players develop confidence as the national team prepares for its next generation of international competition.