Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s preliminary squad for their next two UEFA Nations League matches, opening the door for the 41-year-old forward to return to international football. However, his inclusion in the final squad has yet to be confirmed.
A spokesperson for the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s inclusion in the preliminary list to Agence France-Presse (AFP). The final squad is scheduled to be announced on November 6.
Portugal will face Denmark in Braga on November 14 before taking on Wales three days later in their final group-stage match.
Ronaldo was handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation last week after leaving the national team’s training camp on September 30. However, as the suspension was backdated to the day of the incident, it is not expected to prevent him from playing during the upcoming international break.
On October 7, Ronaldo issued a lengthy statement apologising to Portugal’s supporters and teammates for his conduct. He also announced that his professional relationship with national team coach Jorge Jesus had come to an end.
The dispute reportedly stemmed from disagreements over Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway. Ronaldo alleged that Jesus had promised to leave him on the bench but failed to honour that commitment. He also claimed that the coach did not follow an agreement they had reached on how to handle the disagreement ahead of Portugal’s match against Denmark.
Ronaldo subsequently left the national team’s training camp after a press conference in Copenhagen, triggering widespread speculation about his future with the national side.
Portugal have been in strong form in the Nations League, winning their first four matches. They have also secured victories in their last three games without captain Ronaldo, booking their place in the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027.
Ronaldo will turn 42 next February. If selected for the final squad, he could have the opportunity to feature in the Nations League quarter-finals. His participation, however, will depend on the coach’s final selection.
The Portuguese captain has also hinted that the upcoming season could be the last of his playing career, adding to the anticipation surrounding a possible return during the next international break.
