Veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo is back in the Portugal squad for the upcoming Nations League matches. Coach Roberto Martinez announced the team roster on Friday, confirming Ronaldo’s inclusion for the home games against Croatia on September 5th and Scotland on September 8th. This return comes after a disappointing Euro 2024 performance where Ronaldo went scoreless in all five matches before Portugal’s elimination in the quarter-finals against France.
Despite his recent performance, Ronaldo remains a key figure for Portugal. The 39-year-old holds the record for most international goals in men’s football with an impressive 130 goals. Martinez has indicated that this Nations League campaign marks a “new cycle” for the Portuguese team, with their eyes set on the 2026 World Cup in North America. By the time the tournament kicks off, Ronaldo would be 41 years old.
Martinez’s decision to bring Ronaldo back into the fold reflects his commitment to utilizing the veteran’s experience and leadership qualities. This marks a significant shift from the 2022 World Cup, where Ronaldo was benched by then-coach Fernando Santos during the tournament. Notably, Ronaldo scored in Portugal’s opening match against Ghana but went scoreless in the subsequent four games, including their quarter-final defeat to Morocco.
The full Portugal squad for the upcoming Nations League matches is as follows:
