Portugal: Jorge Jesus makes seven changes after Ronaldo's retirement [Full squad]

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus announced a 28‑man squad for the remaining UEFA Nations League matches, making seven changes after Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football earlier this week.

Ronaldo, 41, finished his career with 146 goals in 234 appearances, becoming the highest‑scoring and most‑capped player in men’s international football. He helped Portugal win its first major trophy at Euro 2016 and added two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 to his record.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star had left the national‑team camp after being dropped to the bench for the Nations League win over Norway. He was later handed a 30‑day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), before deciding to end his international career. FPF president Pedro Proença said the federation would recognise Ronaldo’s “remarkable achievements and lasting contribution to Portuguese football.”

Jesus’ new lineup introduces seven first‑time call‑ups: Alberto Costa, António Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela. Francisco Conceição is suspended for three games following a red card against Norway, and Paris Saint‑Germain defender Nuno Mendes is ruled out with injury. Gonçalo Inácio was omitted from the squad.

Portugal have won all four of their opening Nations League games and need just one point to secure first place in the group. They will face Denmark on 14 November before travelling to Cardiff to play Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on 17 November.

Full 28‑man squad

• Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), Samuel Soares (Benfica)
• Defenders: João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Alberto Costa (Porto), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica), António Silva (Bournemouth), Nuno Tavares (Lazio)
• Midfielders: Ruben Neves (Al‑Hilal), João Palhinha (Benfica), Matheus Fernandes (Tottenham), João Neves (Paris Saint‑Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint‑Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid)
• Forwards: Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), Francisco Trincão (Al‑Ahli), Rafael Leão (Galatasaray), Geovany Quenda (Chelsea), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), João Felix (Al‑Nassr), Gonçalo Ramos (Milan), Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Gustavo Varela (Monza)

<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>