Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has explained his decision to include Cristiano Ronaldo in his first national team squad, insisting that the veteran forward’s current performance will determine whether he plays.
Ronaldo was named in Jesus’ 25-man squad on Friday for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Wales, Norway and Denmark.
The selection came amid questions over the 41-year-old’s international future following Portugal’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo had already confirmed that the tournament was his final World Cup appearance, leaving uncertainty over whether he would continue representing his country.
Jesus, however, has opted to retain the Al-Nassr forward as he begins his tenure as Portugal coach.
The former Al-Nassr manager, who previously worked with Ronaldo at club level, made it clear that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not receive preferential treatment simply because of his status or achievements.
Speaking after announcing his squad, Jesus stressed that Ronaldo’s present form would be the main factor in determining his involvement.
“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” Jesus said,
The Portugal coach went further by insisting that Ronaldo would be treated like every other member of the squad when it comes to selection and playing time.
“Cristiano is a player like all the others. If he is performing well, he will play. If he isn’t, he won’t,” Jesus said.
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo has a unique status within world football, particularly after a career that has included five Ballon d’Or awards and numerous records for both club and country.
However, the coach said Ronaldo’s reputation would not influence his technical decisions.
“He has a different status and has won five Ballon d’Or awards, but does that influence my decisions? No,” Jesus said.
“But is he a different player? Absolutely.”
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, making his continued presence significant as Jesus begins rebuilding the national team.
The forward’s inclusion also ends immediate speculation that his international career could have come to an end after the World Cup.
Jesus has been handed the responsibility of leading Portugal after taking over from Roberto Martinez. His first competitive assignment will come against Wales on September 24.
Portugal will then face Norway and Denmark as part of their opening Nations League fixtures. Ronaldo’s inclusion gives Jesus the option of relying on the veteran striker while also assessing other attacking players within the squad.
The decision is particularly notable because Jesus already knows Ronaldo well from their time together at Al-Nassr. That previous working relationship gives the coach direct experience of the forward’s qualities, although Jesus has made it clear that their history will not guarantee Ronaldo a starting position.
Instead, the Portuguese manager appears determined to establish a selection policy based on what players are producing at the time of each international camp.
For Ronaldo, the call-up provides another opportunity to add to his extraordinary international record. His longevity with Portugal has made him one of the defining figures in the country’s football history, while his goals have played a major role in Portugal’s successes on the international stage.
Nevertheless, Jesus’ comments underline a change in emphasis. Ronaldo’s reputation remains recognised, but his place in the starting lineup will depend on his performances.
The upcoming Nations League campaign will therefore provide an early indication of how Jesus intends to balance experience with competition for places.
Portugal enter the new era with several established players still available, while Jesus will also have the opportunity to introduce younger options into the squad.
The coach’s decision to select Ronaldo suggests that he still considers the forward capable of contributing to the national team, but his comments also make clear that no player is guaranteed a place.
Portugal’s first match under Jesus against Wales in Lisbon on September 24 will consequently attract considerable attention, particularly regarding Ronaldo’s role.
Whether he starts, comes off the bench or plays a limited role, Jesus has already established the principle governing his selection: past achievements alone will not determine a player’s place in the team.
For Ronaldo, that means another international chapter begins with an opportunity to prove his value under a coach who knows him well but has publicly insisted that performance remains the decisive factor.
