New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus made it very clear where Cristiano Ronaldo fits into his plans for the fall international break.
The manager confirmed the 41-year-old will start against Wales so long as “nothing exceptional happens” in the build-up to Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash. It would mark the first appearance for Ronaldo—and his teammates—since Portugal lost to Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. It flies in the face of his sister’s retirement prediction during the tournament.