Ronaldo retains Portugal place ahead of Nations League openers

Cristiano Ronaldo has retained his place in the Portugal squad for their opening 2024-25 Nations League fixtures versus Croatia and Scotland.

Ronaldo is both Portugal’s most-capped player and their leading all-time goalscorer, netting 130 goals in 212 senior caps, with both of those figures also being records for any nation in men’s international football.

However, the 39-year-old’s international future was called into question in the aftermath of Euro 2024, where the Selecao reached the last eight in unconvincing fashion before losing to France in a penalty shoot-out.

Ronaldo endured a miserable tournament, failing to score from 23 shots with a total expected goals (xG) value of 3.6.

Only Kylian Mbappe (24) attempted more shots at goal at the tournament, while only Germany’s Kai Havertz – who scored twice – posted a higher xG figure (4.12).

However, Ronaldo will continue to lead Portugal next month as they begin the next international cycle, potentially with an eye on appearing at his 12th major tournament at the 2026 World Cup.

Os convocados Prontos para lutar por um lugar na Liga das Nações