Jorge Jesus warns Cristiano Ronaldo: Ballon d'Ors mean zero for selection

New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has set a firm tone for his tenure after announcing his 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The 72-year-old manager emphasized that individual reputation, including that of captain Cristiano Ronaldo, will carry no weight in his selection process.

Addressing the media, Jesus insisted that every squad member must earn their spot through current training and match performances. When questioned about the scrutiny surrounding Ronaldo, the manager was blunt about squad discipline:

Cris is a player like any other. If he performs well, he plays; if he doesn't perform well, he doesn't play. Cris has a different status, he has five Ballon d'Or awards, but does that count for my decisions? It doesn't count for anything, zero. Jorge Jesus

Beyond his stance on the captain, Jesus confirmed a shift in tactical identity. He intends to move away from his predecessor's approach, opting for a system with two central strikers. Consequently, Joao Felix will operate strictly as a central forward rather than on the wing, while Rafael Leao will also be utilized through the middle.

Portugal's Nations League campaign kicks off against Wales on September 24 at the Jose Alvalade Stadium. With 13 players in the squad who have worked under him previously, Jesus is looking to implement his tactical vision immediately as the team prepares for a challenging window of fixtures including Norway and Denmark.