Football: Jorge Jesus makes seven changes after Ronaldo's retirement
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Post
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has changed seven players in his squad following Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement. The Portuguese team is preparing for its upcoming Nations League matches, according to the Portuguese Football Federation, after Ronaldo's international career ended.
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has unveiled his first squad since Cristiano Ronaldo ended his international career, making seven changes for the upcoming Nations League matches, reports Nigerian daily Daily Post. Alberto Costa, António Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela join a 28-player squad; Alberto Costa and Gustavo Varela receive their first senior call-ups.
Ronaldo, 41, ended his international career this week after scoring 146 goals in 234 appearances since his debut in 2003, winning two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 and helping Portugal secure its first major title at Euro 2016. He reportedly left the camp after being left on the bench during the victory over Norway, before a 30-day suspension was imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
Francisco Conceição will miss the next matches because of a three-match UEFA suspension following his red card against Norway, while Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes is unavailable through injury and Gonçalo Inácio has been left out.
FPF president Pedro Proença said the federation intended to recognise Ronaldo's achievements, as it had promised after his international retirement. The day before the squad announcement, Jorge Jesus had asked Ronaldo to remain in the national team.
