Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has made a bold decision in including Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches. This move comes after Ronaldo’s lackluster performance at the European Championship, where he failed to score in any of Portugal’s matches. Despite being the all-time leading goal scorer for his country, Ronaldo’s form has come under scrutiny following Euro 2024.
Martínez’s announcement of the squad signals the beginning of a new cycle for Portugal as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament set to take place in North America, there are doubts about whether the 39-year-old Ronaldo will still be a key player for the team. However, Martínez has refrained from making any definitive statements about Ronaldo’s future with the national team, indicating that the veteran forward’s role is still uncertain.
After being controversially benched during the 2022 World Cup by former coach Fernando Santos, Ronaldo was reinstated as a starter by Martínez for Euro 2024. Despite this show of faith, Ronaldo struggled to make an impact on the tournament, raising questions about his effectiveness at the international level. With a new generation of players emerging in the squad, Ronaldo’s place in the team is up for debate.
The squad announced by Martínez for the Nations League matches features a mix of established stars and promising young talents. Players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix will be crucial to Portugal’s success in the upcoming games. The inclusion of rising talents such as Pedro Gonçalves and Nuno Mendes underscores the team’s commitment to building for the future.
As Portugal embarks on a new chapter under Roberto Martínez, the focus is on developing a team capable of competing at the highest level. While Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the squad adds experience and leadership, the team’s success will depend on the collective effort of all players. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Portugal has the opportunity to showcase its talents on the global stage and make a statement about the future of its national team.