One of the greatest eras in international football history has officially come to an end, and Portugal must now learn to live without the man who was the face of the national team for almost two decades. Cristiano Ronaldo has called time on his international career, and head coach Jorge Jesus has announced his first squad for a new era in Portuguese football.Portugal face Denmark and Wales in the Nations League, and Jesus has opted to name as many as 28 players for the November international window, three more than he selected for his previous assignment in charge of the national team.🚨🇵🇹 Portugal begin life after Cristiano Ronaldo! 📋 Jorge Jesus has named his first Portugal squad since Ronaldo announced his international retirement, opening a new chapter for the national team. 🧤 Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares. 🛡️ Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Alberto Costa, Rúben Dias, Tomás Araújo, Renato Veiga, António Silva, João Cancelo, Nuno Tavares. ⚙️ Midfielders: João Palhinha, Rúben Neves, Mateus Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes. ⚽ Forwards: Pedro Neto, Francisco Trincão, Carlos Forbs, Rafael Leão, Geovany Quenda, João Félix, Rodrigo Mora, Gonçalo Ramos, Fábio Silva, Gustavo Varela. Who should lead Portugal’s attack in the post-Ronaldo era? 👀— Burle Junior (@BurleJunior) November 6, 2026 Naturally, Ronaldo's absence is the biggest talking point, given that he was Portugal's undisputed leader for so many years. However, the former Benfica and Fenerbahce manager has had to make several other changes, some enforced and others prompted by his own tactical ideas.Besides Cristiano, Francisco Conceicao, Nuno Mendes and Goncalo Inacio have also been left out. Conceicao must serve a three-match suspension imposed by UEFA following his sending-off against Norway, while Paris Saint-Germain left-back Nuno Mendes is sidelined with an injury. Inacio, meanwhile, has been omitted at the manager's discretion.That has opened the door for as many as seven new faces compared to the previous squad. Alberto Costa, Antonio Silva, Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela have all received call-ups.Ronaldo retires from the Portugal team!Alberto Costa and Gustavo Varela are particularly interesting additions, as both have earned their first senior call-ups for Portugal. Rodrigo Mora and Geovany Quenda are also yet to make their senior international debuts, although both have previously been involved in Portugal squads under Roberto Martinez.Despite the considerable changes, the backbone of the team remains intact. Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao and the rest of Portugal's established stars are all included and will be expected to shoulder even greater responsibility following Ronaldo's departure.One of the main talking points will be who Jesus entrusts with the central striker role. He has Goncalo Ramos, Fabio Silva and Gustavo Varela at his disposal, while Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and the other wide forwards offer additional attacking options.15.30: (2.65) Leeds (3.50) Tottenham (2.60)Portugal, meanwhile, head into the final stretch of the Nations League group stage in an almost ideal position. Four wins from as many matches have already secured their place in the quarter-finals, and they need just one more point to guarantee top spot in the group.What's more, Portugal could finish first even if they lose to Denmark by a one-goal margin, thanks to their superior head-to-head record. This means they could settle the matter after their next outing, regardless of the result in their final match against Wales.There is little pressure in terms of results, then, but the symbolic significance is considerable. For the first time since Ronaldo's international retirement, Portugal are heading into competitive action without their biggest star. The upcoming fixtures will offer the first glimpse of how Jesus intends to shape a team that will no longer revolve around its legendary captain.
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