Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that captain Cristiano Ronaldo will start Thursday's UEFA Nations League opener against Wales. This match marks Jesus' first competitive match in charge of Portugal, and he will begin his tenure with the experienced Ronaldo leading the line. The match is scheduled for Thursday, September 24, at the Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, with kick-off at 7:45pm local time.
Speaking ahead of his managerial debut, Jesus said Ronaldo would start provided there was no late development affecting his availability. Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo's status alone will not guarantee him a place in the team throughout his tenure, as performance will remain the primary consideration in his selection decisions. This approach suggests that Jesus will maintain a merit-based system, ensuring that all players are held to high standards.
Jesus has acknowledged the enormous importance of Ronaldo to Portuguese football and the national team. Ronaldo remains Portugal's captain and one of the country's most recognisable sporting figures, while his international record continues to distinguish him among the game's leading goalscorers. With 979 official goals for club and country, Ronaldo is targeting the 1,000-goal mark before bringing his playing career to an end.
Ronaldo has rejected suggestions that he is simply extending his international career for sentimental reasons. He told reporters that he still believes he can help Portugal and would be willing to step aside when he feels he can no longer make a meaningful contribution. Ronaldo's priority remains scoring goals and helping Portugal win matches, and he has expressed his desire to reach the 1,000-goal landmark, particularly in a Portugal shirt.
The Wales encounter will be Jesus' first competitive assignment since replacing Roberto Martínez and will also mark the beginning of Portugal's defence of the Nations League title. Portugal won the 2025 edition after defeating Spain on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the final. Ronaldo scored Portugal's second goal in that encounter before the Portuguese side prevailed in the shootout.
Portugal will enter the new campaign with the objective of retaining the trophy, while Jesus begins the process of imposing his ideas on a squad containing several established stars. Alongside Ronaldo, the squad includes Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, João Neves, Vitinha, João Félix, and Rafael Leão. This talented group will provide Jesus with a solid foundation to build upon.
Wales will provide Jesus with his first competitive test as Portugal manager, with the visitors returning to the top tier of the Nations League after winning promotion. The fixture also revives a notable rivalry between the two nations, with their most recent competitive meeting coming at Euro 2016, when Portugal defeated Wales 2-0 in the semi-final, with Ronaldo scoring one of the goals.
Key points
- Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirms Cristiano Ronaldo will start against Wales in the UEFA Nations League opener.
- Ronaldo targets the 1,000-goal landmark before bringing his playing career to an end.
- Portugal begins their defence of the Nations League title against Wales.
