Ronaldo Names in Portugal’s Nations League Squad – The Saga Continues!
Cristiano Ronaldo has been called up for Portugal’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, signaling that the 39-year-old superstar remains an integral part of the national team, despite a recent decline in form.
Ronaldo’s lack of goal-scoring impact in major competitions has raised eyebrows. In the recently concluded UEFA Euro 2024, Ronaldo failed to register a single goal in Portugal’s five matches. Similarly, at the 2022 World Cup, he scored just once in the opener against Ghana, and was subsequently benched by then-coach Fernando Santos. However, manager Roberto Martínez seems to value Ronaldo’s experience and leadership, opting to include him in the Nations League squad.
As Portugal embark on a "new cycle" with their sights set on the 2026 World Cup, the inclusion of Ronaldo could be seen as a nod to the past. The Al-Nassr forward has consistently spoken about his desire to continue playing for Portugal, even when he’s no longer eligible for the World Cup. At 41 by the time the next World Cup arrives, it’s clear that Ronaldo remains an important figure for the national team.
The full Nations League squad, which will face Croatia on September 5 and Scotland on September 8, is comprised of some notable talent:
- Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Jose Sa, and Rui Silva
- Defenders: Ruben Dias, Antonio Silva, Renato Veiga, Goncalo Inacio, Tiago Santos, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Mendes, and Nelo Semedo
- Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, Jao Felix, Francisco Trincao, and Pedro Goncalves
- Forwards: Rafael Leao, Geovany Quenda, Pedro Neto, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Diogo Jota
While Ronaldo’s current form might be a cause for concern, there’s no denying the player’s importance to Portugal. His inclusion in the squad raises the question: Can he rediscover his scoring prowess and lead Portugal to success? Fans will be eager to find out.
Will Ronaldo answer his critics with a storming performance? Only time will tell. For the latest updates, trends, and analysis, be sure to follow us on all social media platforms and join the conversation!