Cristiano Ronaldo will continue his international career under Jorge Jesus, who has named the 41-year-old captain in his first Portugal squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The selection confirms Ronaldo will remain part of the national team after Portugal's World Cup exit and the managerial change that followed.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal Future Was In Question Before This Squad

Portugal's run at the 2026 World Cup ended in the Round of 16 with a 1-0 defeat to Spain, who scored in stoppage time. The result ended the tournament for a squad Ronaldo had led into what he described as his last major tournament.

He scored three goals during the tournament, but Portugal's early exit left questions over whether Ronaldo would continue playing for the national team after saying the 2026 World Cup would be his last.

That uncertainty continued after Roberto Martínez confirmed his own departure. Speaking in his post-match press conference in Arlington, Martínez said plainly: "It is certain that this is my last game with the Portugal national team."

Martínez's departure left the federation to appoint a successor who would ultimately decide Ronaldo's place in the team. Both the manager's position and Ronaldo's international future were uncertain.

Jorge Jesus addressed the situation after taking over as Portugal manager.

"I haven't spoken to Cris yet," he said. "He will never be a problem for the national team or for me... When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually."

Jesus made those comments before announcing his first squad, saying he would speak to Ronaldo before making a decision. Ronaldo's inclusion in the squad has now provided that answer.

How Jorge Jesus Reached Portugal After Winning The Saudi Title With Ronaldo

Jesus already had a working relationship with Ronaldo before taking the Portugal job, having coached him at Al Nassr earlier in the year. He left the club in May after leading them to the Saudi Pro League title, which was secured with a 4-1 win over Damac.

Jesus had told club officials and Ronaldo at the start of the season that he planned to stay for only one campaign. He left after delivering the league title. Jesus' departure from Al Nassr came as Portugal was looking for a new head coach.

Portuguese outlet A Bola reported in July that Jesus was the leading candidate for the vacancy, with negotiations already at an advanced stage.

His appointment was confirmed shortly afterward on a four-year contract running through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco.

Jesus has also built a long managerial résumé in Portugal and abroad. He has managed 11 clubs in Portugal, including Benfica, where he spent six years and won 10 trophies. He also managed Sporting CP in Portugal and Flamengo in Brazil.

Won the Copa Libertadores with the Brazilian club. Jesus also worked with João Félix and Ronaldo at Al Nassr, giving him previous experience managing two of Portugal's leading players. Jesus briefly returned to Al Nassr's Lisbon training camp in late July.

The club described the visit as a friendly one. Ange Postecoglou has since taken over as manager.

What Jesus's First Squad And Fixture List Mean For Portugal's Nations League Defence

Jesus called up four players who were not part of Portugal's World Cup squad: Benfica goalkeeper Samuel Soares, earning his first senior call-up, Lazio left-back Nuno Tavares, Benfica midfielder João Palhinha, and Borussia Dortmund striker Fábio Silva.

Ronaldo remains Portugal's record appearance-maker and goalscorer, with 233 caps and 146 goals for the national team.

Jesus will take charge for the first time on September 24 when Portugal faces Wales at the Estádio José Alvalade in their opening UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixture.

Portugal will then travel to Norway on September 27, visit Denmark on October 1, and face Norway again at the Dragão Stadium on October 4.