The UEFA Nations League is set to begin on September 5, and Portugal’s coach Roberto Martínez has announced a 25-member squad for the first two matches of the tournament. The squad includes star player Cristiano Ronaldo, along with three new faces.
Ronaldo, who recently disappointed fans with his performance in the UEFA European Championship, has been included in the squad despite criticism. The 39-year-old forward failed to score a single goal during the tournament, marking the first time in his 20-year international career since the 2004 Euros that he went goalless in a major tournament. This lackluster performance led to widespread criticism, with many suggesting that Ronaldo should retire from international football. However, the former Real Madrid forward recently stated on a Portuguese channel that he has no plans to retire just yet and intends to continue playing for some time.
Coach Martínez has shown confidence in Ronaldo, keeping him in the squad alongside the introduction of three new players: 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Giovanni Cuenda, Chelsea defender Renato Veiga, and Lille defender Thiago Santos.
Portugal Squad for the Nations League:
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, Rui Silva.
- Defenders: Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Thiago Santos, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, Nelson Semedo.
- Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves.
- Forwards: Joao Felix, Francisco Trincao, Pedro Goncalves, Rafael Leao, Giovanni Cuenda, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota.
Portugal will face Croatia in their first Nations League match on Friday, September 6, at 12:45 AM Bangladesh time. The second match is scheduled for September 8, where they will take on Scotland. Both matches will be played at Benfica Stadium in Lisbon.