Ronaldo’s Future Confirmed: Recalled To Portugal Squad By Coach Who Won Him The Saudi Title - ABP Live English
Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career is set to continue under a familiar face, with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus naming the 41-year-old in his first squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
The call-up confirms that Ronaldo remains part of Portugal’s plans after the 2026 World Cup, while also setting up an intriguing reunion with the coach who guided him to his first Saudi Pro League title.
Jesus and Ronaldo worked together at Al-Nassr last season, where the Portuguese forward finally lifted the Saudi league trophy at his fourth attempt.
Ronaldo played a key role in Al-Nassr’s title triumph under Jesus, scoring twice as the club defeated Damac 4-1 on the final day of the campaign to secure the championship.
The victory ended Al-Nassr’s seven-year wait for a Saudi Pro League title and gave Ronaldo his first league championship in the country.
Jesus left Al-Nassr after delivering the title, but the two are now set to work together again at international level.
This time, however, the stakes are different. Jesus is beginning his tenure with Portugal, while Ronaldo is entering another stage of an international career that has already included major tournament triumphs and record-breaking goalscoring numbers.
Ronaldo currently sits on 979 career goals, leaving him 21 away from reaching the landmark 1,000-goal figure.
The upcoming international window could therefore provide another significant chapter in his pursuit of the milestone. Portugal are scheduled to play four Nations League matches across just 11 days, giving Ronaldo multiple opportunities to add to his tally.
Portugal begin at home against Wales on September 24 before travelling to face Norway three days later.
They then meet Denmark on October 1 before returning home for another fixture against Norway on October 4.
Portugal enter the campaign as defending Nations League champions after beating Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.
That victory secured Portugal’s second Nations League title, and Ronaldo remains central to the team as they begin another campaign under a new coach.
For Jesus, the assignment also brings a player he knows well from club football into his first Portugal squad.
For Ronaldo, meanwhile, the international journey continues at 41, with the 1,000-goal milestone still within reach and a familiar coach now overseeing his next chapter with Portugal.
Yes, Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has named the 41-year-old in his first squad. This confirms Ronaldo remains part of Portugal's international plans after the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal's new coach is Jorge Jesus. He previously coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, where they won the Saudi Pro League title together last season.
Ronaldo currently has 979 career goals. He needs 21 more to reach the 1,000-goal milestone, with the upcoming international window offering opportunities.
Portugal is defending their Nations League title. They secured their second title in 2025 by beating Spain on penalties in the final.
Prateek Thakur is a Copy Editor at ABP Live English, reporting on major sporting events while spotlighting the human stories of athletes that matter.
You can reach out to him at prateekt@abpnetwork.com.
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