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Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has made seven changes to his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from international football.
The 28-man squad, announced on Friday, is the first selection since Ronaldo ended his international career earlier this week.
The 41-year-old retired after recording 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, making him the highest-scoring and most-capped player in men’s international football.
Ronaldo also captained Portugal to their first major international trophy at Euro 2016 and helped the country win the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Jesus has included Alberto Costa, Antonio Silva, Matheus Fernandes, Carlos Forbs, Geovany Quenda, Rodrigo Mora and Gustavo Varela in the latest squad.
Costa and Varela have received their first senior national team call-ups, while Mora and Quenda are yet to make their senior international debuts.
Meanwhile, Francisco Conceicao will miss the fixtures due to suspension, while Nuno Mendes is unavailable because of injury. Goncalo Inacio was also left out of the squad.
Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proenca said the country would honour Ronaldo’s contribution to the national team.
He described the forward’s achievements as deserving of recognition and celebration.
Jesus, meanwhile, said his decisions were made in the best interests of the team and maintained that he had no hard feelings towards Ronaldo.
Portugal will face Denmark on November 14 before taking on Wales three days later.
The team has won its first four Nations League matches and needs just one point to secure top spot in its group.
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares.
Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Alberto Costa, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga, Tomas Araujo, Antonio Silva, Nuno Tavares.
Midfielders: Ruben Neves, Joao Palhinha, Matheus Fernandes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva.
Forwards: Pedro Neto, Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Trincao, Rafael Leao, Geovany Quenda, Carlos Forbs, Joao Felix, Goncalo Ramos, Fabio Silva, Gustavo Varela.
