Ronaldo named in Portugal’s preliminary squad

Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal’s preliminary squad for its next two UEFA Nations League matches, offering the first concrete sign of a possible return after several weeks of crisis. The captain left Portugal’s camp in September. A spokesperson for the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed his place in the provisional group to Agence France-Presse. The final squad is expected on November 6, so his call-up is not yet assured.

The schedule already provides a setting for a potential return. Portugal will host Denmark in Braga on November 14, then travel to Wales three days later for its final group-stage match. Those are the team’s next fixtures, but Ronaldo’s involvement will depend on the final selection.

The prospect of a return follows a 30-day suspension announced by the Portuguese federation last week. It came after Ronaldo left camp on September 30. Because the suspension was applied retroactively from that date, its term covers the period leading up to the next international break and allows him to rejoin the national team then.

The dispute with his coach, Jorge Jesus, concerned in part Ronaldo’s role in the match against Norway, which Portugal won 2-1. Ronaldo accused the coach of reversing a promise about keeping him on the bench. He also said Jesus had not honoured their agreement on what to say to ease their disagreement at a press conference ahead of the match against Denmark, which Portugal won 4-2. After that press conference, Ronaldo left the camp in Copenhagen, prompting controversy over his international future.

In a lengthy statement on October 7, 41-year-old Ronaldo apologised to Portugal’s supporters and teammates for his behaviour. He also said his relationship with Jorge Jesus had ended. Those gestures followed the public breakdown, but inclusion in the preliminary group alone does not confirm what their sporting relationship will be or what role the captain may have.

Portugal, meanwhile, continued winning without him: the team claimed victory in its first four Nations League matches, including its last three without its captain, and has already secured a place in the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027. That run means Ronaldo’s possible return is being considered with Portugal already through to the next stage.

Ronaldo will turn 42 next February. He is expected to take part in the next phase if the coach includes him in the final squad. He has also suggested that the current season could be the last of his football career. The decision expected on November 6 will therefore shape his next international commitments, without by itself settling questions about what comes after this season.