Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Portugal squad for Nations League matches
Portugal's head coach, Roberto Martinez, has announced the inclusion of veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo in his squad. This decision comes ahead of the first two UEFA Nations League matches following a disappointing European Championship for Ronaldo. The team is set to play against Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8, marking a new phase in their journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here's more.
Ronaldo's performance in international football
Ronaldo, at 39 years old, holds the record for the most goals scored in international men's football with a total of 130. He has made a total of 212 appearances for Portugal. However, his performance at the 2024 European Championship was less than stellar as he failed to score in any of Portugal's five games. The team was eventually eliminated by France in a penalty shootout during the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo is in good form for Al-Nassr
Ronaldo was on the scoresheet in Al-Nassr's 4-1 drubbing of Al Feiha in the Saudi Pro League. This goal marked Ronaldo's 899th career goal. He owns 4 goals for Al-Nassr this season. Overall, he owns 68 goals for Al-Nassr in 74 games.
Portugal squad: Goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Jose Sa (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Real Betis). Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), António Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Chelsea), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Tiago Santos (Lille), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton). Midfielders: Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich), Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), João Félix (Chelsea), Francisco Trincão (Sporting), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting).
Portugal squad: Here are the forwards
Forwards: Rafael Leao (AC Milan), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool).
7 goals for Ronaldo in UEFA Nations League
Ronaldo won the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League title with Portugal, Ronaldo has scored seven goals in 11 UEFA Nations League games to date.
