Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Portugal duty next month after being included in the preliminary squad for the Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales.

The 41-year-old left the national team camp on September 30 following a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus, accusing the manager of failing to honour a promise over playing time. Ronaldo later apologised to supporters and accepted the punishment imposed by the Portuguese Football Federation.

The FPF handed him a 30-day suspension, but the sanction was backdated, allowing Ronaldo to become available again before the November fixtures. Jesus is expected to announce his final squad on November 6.

Portugal have won all four Nations League matches so far, securing qualification for the quarter-finals with two games remaining, despite Ronaldo featuring in only one of those victories.

Ronaldo remains international football’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has suggested that 2026 will probably be his final year as a professional.