Portugal’s head coach Jorge Jesus has announced a 28‑man roster for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, introducing seven newcomers following Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to retire from international duty earlier this week. The changes come as Portugal aim to secure top spot in Group B ahead of fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
Ronaldo confirmed his retirement from the Portugal national team after a distinguished career that saw him become the highest‑scoring and most‑capped player in men’s international football. The 41‑year‑old ended his tenure with 146 goals in 234 appearances, having debuted for the senior side in 2003.
During his spell, Ronaldo helped Portugal win its first major trophy at Euro 2016 and added two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, reinforcing his legacy as one of the nation’s all‑time greats.
Although he was initially urged to stay on after Portugal’s round‑of‑16 exit at this year’s World Cup, his future grew uncertain following an incident on the previous international break. Reports indicated he left the squad camp after being named on the bench for the Nations League win over Norway, after which the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) imposed a 30‑day suspension. Ronaldo then opted to end his international career before the November fixtures.
FPF president Pedro Proença said the federation will honour Ronaldo’s extraordinary contributions and lasting impact on Portuguese football.
Who are the new call‑ups?
Jesus introduced seven fresh faces to the 28‑man list: Alberto Costa, António Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela. Francisco Conceição misses the games due to a three‑match UEFA suspension after a red card against Norway, while PSG defender Nuno Mendes is sidelined with injury and Gonçalo Inácio was omitted.
Alberto Costa and Gustavo Varela receive their first senior call‑ups, and Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda hope to earn their debut caps after previously being named in squads under former coach Roberto Martínez without playing.
What are Portugal’s upcoming fixtures?
The side enters the remaining group stage in strong form, having won all four opening Nations League matches and sitting in a position to clinch first place with just one point needed. They will host Denmark on 14 November before travelling to Cardiff to face Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium on 17 November.
Full 28‑Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), Samuel Soares (Benfica).
Defenders: João Cancelo (Barcelona), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Alberto Costa (Porto), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Tomás Araújo (Benfica), António Silva (Bournemouth), Nuno Tavares (Lazio).
Midfielders: Rubén Neves (Al‑Hilal), João Palhinha (Benfica), Matheus Fernandes (Tottenham), João Neves (Paris Saint‑Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint‑Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid).
Forwards: Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rodrigo Mora (Roma), Francisco Trincão (Al‑Ahli), Rafael Leão (Galatasaray), Geovany Quenda (Chelsea), Carlos Forbs (Club Brugge), João Félix (Al‑Nassr), Gonçalo Ramos (Milan), Fábio Silva (Borussia Dortmund), Gustavo Varela (Monza).