Jorge Jesus Names Ronaldo in First Portugal Squad for Nations League Defence
Jorge Jesus will begin his Portugal reign with Cristiano Ronaldo still leading the forward line, after naming a 25-man group for the holders’ UEFA Nations League defence in Group A4.
The new head coach has brought goalkeeper Samuel Soares into the senior set-up for the first time, while Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva return after missing Portugal’s recent 2026 World Cup final-stage campaign.
Quick facts
- Portugal have selected 25 players for their Nations League title defence.
- Samuel Soares receives his first call-up at senior international level.
- Nuno Tavares, João Palhinha and Fábio Silva are back in the group.
- José Sá, Nélson Semedo, Samu Costa, Gonçalo Guedes and Matheus Nunes have not been selected.
- Jesus takes charge for the first time against Wales on September 24 at Alvalade.
Palhinha’s inclusion ends an absence from the national team that had lasted close to 12 months. Ronaldo remains the central established name in attack as Portugal start a new cycle under Jesus.
Jesus said the recalls reflected both familiarity and longer-term planning. He has previously worked with Soares, Tavares and Palhinha, while Silva is the only one of the four additions not to have played under him.
“Other than Fábio, I have worked with the other three,” Jesus said. “They know me and I know them. Apart from João, they are in their early twenties, so by 2030 they will still be under 30. They are players for now and for the future.”
The coach also made clear that club form was decisive in assembling his first squad. The selected players are due to convene shortly as preparations begin for the opening fixtures.
Portugal host Wales at Alvalade on September 24 before travelling to Norway on September 27. An away match against Denmark follows on October 1, with the first phase ending at Porto’s Dragão Stadium against Norway on October 4.
