A thrilling step: striking development in Ronaldo's future with Portugal
What happened?
Cristiano Ronaldo has edged closer to a Portugal return next November. The technical staff named their captain in the preliminary squad for two upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, bringing him back into the fold after the crisis that saw him storm out of the national team camp last September.
A Portuguese Football Federation spokesperson confirmed Ronaldo's presence in the preliminary squad to Agence France-Presse, a move that paves the way for his return after his dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. The final squad is expected on 6 November.
Portugal face Denmark on 14 November in Braga, before travelling to Wales three days later for their final group-stage match in the UEFA Nations League.
A punishment that did not prevent Ronaldo's return
Last week, the Portuguese Federation handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension for walking out of the camp on 30 September. The ban ran retroactively from the day of the incident, clearing him to feature during the upcoming international break.
Ronaldo, 41, published a lengthy statement on 7 October apologising to Portuguese fans and his team-mates for his behaviour. He also revealed the end of his relationship with coach Jorge Jesus.
At the root of it all was a row over Ronaldo's role in the match against Norway, which Portugal won 2-1. The player accused his coach of breaking a promise to keep him on the substitutes' bench, and of ignoring the message they had agreed to contain the dispute during a press conference before the Denmark game, which Portugal won 4-2.
After that press conference, Ronaldo left the national team camp in Copenhagen. The walkout sparked wide controversy over his international future.
Portugal qualify without their captain
His absence barely registered in the results. Portugal won their first four UEFA Nations League matches, the last three without their captain, to seal qualification for the quarter-final stage set for March 2027.
Ronaldo turns 42 next February and could feature in that next stage if the coach names him in the final squad. He has already hinted that this could be the last season of his footballing career.
