Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has named his first national squad following Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from international football, incorporating seven new faces for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales. Unveiled on Friday, 6 November, the 28-man squad signals a transition period for the Seleção, accompanied by a novel approach to team leadership in the absence of their long-standing captain.
Among the call-ups, Alberto Costa and Gustavo Varela have received their maiden international selections. They are joined by fellow inclusions António Silva, Mateus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, and Rodrigo Mora. While Quenda and Mora had previously attended national training camps under former manager Roberto Martínez, neither player has yet made a senior international appearance.
The squad selection also reflects notable absences due to disciplinary and fitness issues. Francisco Conceição misses out while serving a three-match UEFA suspension following a red card received against Norway, whereas Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes remains sidelined through injury. Additionally, Gonçalo Inácio was left out of the final list due to tactical considerations despite initial inclusion in broader squad deliberations.
Addressing the vacant captaincy left by Ronaldo’s departure, Jesus outlined a shared leadership model based on international experience. Rather than designating a single captain or vice-captain, leadership duties will rotate among the five most experienced players in the squad: Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves, and Bruno Fernandes. Jesus confirmed that this cumulative experience criterion will remain the standard protocol for captaincy selection moving forward.
Portugal enter the upcoming fixtures in a commanding position in the Nations League, having secured victories in all four of their opening group matches to qualify for the quarter-finals. Requiring a single point from their remaining group fixtures to guarantee top spot, a draw or avoiding a defeat of more than one goal against Denmark will seal first place prior to their final group match against Wales.
