Ronaldo Leads Portugal: Called Up to Face Germany

Roberto Martínez Includes Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portuguese National Team

The Portugal manager, Roberto Martínez, has announced the list of players called up for the next Nations League match against Germany, and the main novelty is the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star, currently with Al Nassr, has been included in the 27-player squad, thus dispelling doubts about his physical condition. Martínez has dismissed rumors suggesting that Ronaldo was not in optimal condition to play.

Ronaldo, who turned 40 on February 5th, has not yet renewed his contract with the Saudi Professional League club, which expires on June 30th. The forward has not participated in his team’s last three matches.

“Regarding Cristiano’s physical condition, he is available to play. There is no problem,” Martínez stated. “I am very happy with the quality we have in the squad. We have many options. We have four players in the Champions League final and that is interesting.”
Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach

Ronaldo Leads Portugal: Called Up to Face Germany

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 33 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for Al Nassr this season.

Martínez also referred to the rumors about his possible replacement by José Mourinho after the Nations League.

“I can say what my focus is, which is the 2026 World Cup and that’s what we’re working on.”
Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach

“We are working to improve, grow, and continue with the work we have done so far. The rest is noise, but our focus is the World Cup.”

“We are where we want to be, among the four best teams in Europe. Of course we want to win the Nations League, but we also want to use it to prepare for the World Cup.”

FC Porto’s young forward, Rodrigo Mora, has been called up to the national team for the first time.

“He’s a special player, I’d like to talk about his career,” Martínez said. “I’ve seen him play on the under-17 team and he had a positive impact.”
Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach

“For what he has done in the last six months, he deserves a place in the national team.”

“He’s a different player. At 18, playing in Europe, playing in the national league and scoring 10 goals and providing four assists.”

“He’s new and we have to help him. He’s had an incredible… I smile when I talk about Rodrigo Mora because I think he will make an era in Portuguese football.”

João Félix and João Palhinha were also included in the call-up, despite not having a stellar role in their respective clubs.

“João Félix and João Palhinha have played less, but they have been important players in reaching the Nations League finals. They are important and we need continuity.”
Roberto Martínez, Portugal coach

Félix scored his first league goal for AC Milan in the 3-1 defeat to Roma on Sunday.

Palhinha has had limited game time since joining Bayern Munich from Fulham in the summer for a fee of £51 million.

Martínez expressed his pleasure with the Paris Saint-Germain matches this season, a team that has four Portuguese players in its squad: Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Gonçalo Ramos and João Neves, all of whom were called up.

“I loved the PSG matches like any football fan. What I liked the most was the growth that the Portuguese players are having there.”

Portugal Squad: