Jesus keeps Ronaldo in first Portugal squad, says past won't count
September 18, 2026 at 02:57 PM
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6 reports · 3 in Arabic, 3 in English · over 2 hours
New Portugal coach Jorge Jesus named Cristiano Ronaldo in his first 25-man squad for the Nations League while saying past achievements will not influence his selections.
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New coach Jorge Jesus named his first 25-man Portugal squad on Friday, including the 41-year-old Ronaldo for four Nations League matches.
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Ronaldo said in July that this summer's World Cup would be his last, but has not announced a date for retiring from international play.
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Jesus said Ronaldo's past will not earn him selection, stating "if he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn't."
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Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, succeeded Roberto Martinez, who stepped down after Portugal's World Cup exit.




