Cristiano Ronaldo set for Portugal return in November

Cristiano Ronaldo is nearing a return to the Portugal national team in November after being included in the preliminary squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, according to sources in the Portuguese Football Federation cited by Agence France-Presse, following initial reports in Portuguese media.

Head coach Jorge Jesus is expected to announce the final squad on November 6, ahead of fixtures against Denmark on November 14 and Wales three days later, which will conclude the group stage.

Ronaldo’s return is possible after his suspension was applied retroactively from September 30, the date he left the national team camp. The Portuguese Football Federation last week announced a 30-day suspension for Ronaldo.

The Al-Nassr captain, aged 41, left the camp following a dispute with Jesus, later apologizing to fans and teammates. He accused the coach of breaking promises after being benched during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway, and not honoring an agreement meant to resolve their differences, amid tensions that preceded Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark.

Ronaldo’s potential return comes as defending champions Portugal have won all four of their opening Nations League matches, securing quarterfinal qualification for March 2027, with the last three games played without him. Ronaldo will be 42 by then, having recently suggested this season could be his last as a professional footballer.