Jorge Jesus names first Portugal squad: Ronaldo returns alongside four newcomers

New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has officially announced his inaugural 25-player squad as the team prepares to defend their UEFA Nations League title in Group A4. Legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo headlines the selection, which also introduces four prominent additions to the international setup.

Goalkeeper Samuel Soares is the most notable inclusion, earning his first senior international call-up. He is joined by Nuno Tavares, Joao Palhinha, and Fabio Silva, all of whom return to the fold after missing the recent 2026 World Cup campaign.

Of the four, apart from Fabio, who has not worked with me, the other three have worked with me before. They are players who already know me, and I know them. Except for Joao, they are in their early twenties, and in 2030 they still will not be 30, so they are players of the present and the future. Jorge Jesus

Jesus justified the selection by highlighting the importance of familiarity and current domestic form. The manager noted that working with players he has coached previously will help establish his tactical identity quickly as the team looks to balance immediate impact with long-term development.

The squad also marks the return of Joao Palhinha following an international absence of nearly a year. The team is scheduled to gather shortly for tactical preparations before Jesus makes his managerial debut on September 24 against Wales at the Alvalade stadium. The opening stretch of fixtures continues with matches against Norway and Denmark.