Even with the end of his legendary career closing in, Cristiano Ronaldo is still going strong with Portugal.
The 41-year-old was named in new Portugal manager Jorge Jesus' first 25-man squad, which will participate in four upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
The first of those comes on Thursday, Sept. 24 as the defending champions host Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.
Speaking ahead of the match, Jesus said that Ronaldo is set to start provided he doesn't have any last-minute fitness issues.
“We have a full training session today, and we will see what happens during it. But if nothing unexpected occurs, Cristiano will be in the starting XI against Wales,” the Portugal boss told a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
“Cristiano
is an icon for Portugal, but that does not mean he has to play every game. He will play tomorrow, and I hope he scores one or two goals so I can rest him,” Jesus added.
Ronaldo previously had said that the 2026 World Cup would be his last, but he has not yet retired from international duty.
The veteran forward scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup as Portugal bowed out in the round of 16. The defeat to Spain ensured that Ronaldo will almost certainly retire without ever lifting the World Cup trophy.
He is, however, the most-capped men's player of all time (233) and the leading men's international scorer with 146 goals.
Now with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has hinted that he is nearing the end of his playing career - not just with Portugal.
In an interview published last month, the Portuguese superstar told Vogue "This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy."
Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing vs. Wales today?
Ronaldo was indeed in the lineup for the match, starting up top as a No. 9.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Portugal vs. Wales in UEFA Nations League?
