Cristiano Ronaldo Returns to Portugal Camp Ahead of Nations League Opener

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Portugal’s national team camp ahead of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, as new head coach Jorge Jesus begins his tenure with the defending champions.

Ronaldo shared pictures from the national camp on Instagram on Monday, confirming his arrival ahead of Portugal’s opening Group A4 fixture against Wales on September 24. Portugal will then travel to face Norway on September 27, play Denmark away on October 1 and host Norway on October 4.

The 41-year-old forward was included in Jesus’ first 25-man squad after the Portuguese Football Federation appointed the experienced coach following Roberto Martinez’s departure after Portugal’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo remains a key figure for Portugal despite uncertainty over the later stages of his international career. He had already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament, while recent reports have also highlighted comments suggesting that his wider football career could be approaching its final phase. He has not, however, announced a date for his international retirement.

Jesus has made clear that Ronaldo’s reputation will not automatically guarantee him a starting place. The new coach said the forward would be assessed like every other player based on his performances, while acknowledging his unique status because of his five Ballon d’Or awards.

Portugal enter the Nations League as defending champions, having won the previous edition. Jesus has largely retained the squad that represented the country at the World Cup, with four new faces — Benfica goalkeeper Samuel Soares, Lazio defender Nuno Tavares, Benfica midfielder João Palhinha and Borussia Dortmund forward Fábio Silva.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals. He also played a central role in the country’s historic Euro 2016 triumph, Portugal’s first European Championship title.

The Nations League campaign will therefore provide Jesus with his first competitive opportunity to shape Portugal’s team, while Ronaldo’s continued involvement keeps attention firmly on one of the country’s most decorated international players.