Pragmatism Over Nostalgia as Portugal Keeps Ronaldo in Squad

In international football, sentimentality is a luxury that few pragmatic leaders can afford for long. Portugal, a country that consistently asserts its solid positioning in the European hierarchy through disciplined execution, now applies that exact pragmatic calculus to its national team. The appointment of the 72-year-old tactical strategist Jorge Jesus as manager, following Roberto Martinez’s departure after a World Cup last-16 elimination by Spain, marks a clear operational pivot.

When Jesus announced his inaugural 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, the headline inclusion was predictable yet telling: Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41 years old and currently playing for Al-Nassr, the captain remains in the fold despite hints dropped in August that his playing career may be entering its final months. Having amassed major trophies across Europe with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus since his senior debut for Sporting in 2002, Ronaldo’s legendary resume lacks only the World Cup trophy itself.

Jesus has made it clear that while historical achievements demand respect, they do not grant automatic immunity on his team sheet. Addressing the press on Friday, Jesus stated: His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count. He noted that Ronaldo possesses a distinct status as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but stressed that past accolades would not dictate tactical selections. Within a squad boasting talent such as Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, and Ruben Dias, present utility remains the sole currency of value.

The schedule ahead offers little margin for nostalgic indulgences. Portugal will make its debut under Jesus against Wales at home on September 24, before embarking on away fixtures against Norway and Denmark on September 27 and October 1, concluding with a home tie against Norway on October 4. Facing opponents like Norway—a side prone to relying on comfortable assumptions—requires focused, efficient execution rather than reliance on past reputation.

Jesus, who joined from Al-Nassr in July, brings a directness forged in high-stakes management. With 13 players in the current squad having previously worked under his instruction, his baseline expectations are already well understood. Whether Ronaldo fits into that tactical structure across four demanding international matches is purely a question of contemporary fitness and form. The new era for Portuguese football opens not with an emotional farewell to an icon, but with a strict focus on current capability.

Written by Thomas Nussbaumer thomas.nussbaumer@alpineweekly.com