Cristiano Ronaldo back in Portugal squad despite Euro 2024 struggles
Cristiano Ronaldo is back in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming Nations League games despite a disappointing performance at Euro 2024.
The 39-year-old football legend who holds the record for the most goals in international men’s football with 130 failed to score in any of Portugal’s five matches during the European Championship where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by France in a penalty shootout.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez announced the squad on Friday for the home matches against Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8.
Ronaldo’s inclusion has raised eyebrows as many wonder if the veteran forward still has what it takes to lead Portugal on the international stage.
A new cycle for Portugal but Cristiano Ronaldo stays
After Portugal’s early exit from Euro 2024 Martínez hinted at a “new cycle” for the team as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ronaldo will be 41 years old by the time the tournament kicks off leading to speculation about his future with the national team. But Martínez has decided to keep the Al Nassr star in the squad at least for now.
This decision comes after a turbulent period for Ronaldo who was benched by former coach Fernando Santos during the 2022 World Cup.
Although he scored in Portugal’s opening match against Ghana but he didn’t find the net in the next four games including the quarterfinal loss to Morocco.
But then too Martínez restored Ronaldo to the starting lineup for Euro 2024 only for the forward to go goalless throughout the tournament.
The current squad also features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent with key names like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rafael Leão included.
As Portugal gears up for their Nations League fixtures all eyes will be on Ronaldo to see if he can still make a significant impact on the field.
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Portugal Squad for Nations League
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolves), Rui Silva (Real Betis).
Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), António Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Chelsea), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting), Tiago Santos (Lille), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Wolves).
Midfielders: João Palhinha (Bayern Munich), João 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).
Forwards: Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool).
As Portugal embarks on this new phase the question remains: can Ronaldo still deliver at the highest level or is it time for the next generation to take the reins?