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Ronaldo starts for Portugal despite Jorge Jesus's warnings

Named Portugal manager, Jorge Jesus had warned that Ronaldo would not be untouchable. For the first UEFA Nations League match against Wales, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner nevertheless starts in the lineup.

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Ronaldo starts for Portugal despite Jorge Jesus's warnings
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Cristiano Ronaldo starts for Portugal against Wales on Thursday evening in the UEFA Nations League, despite the unambiguous statements from his new manager Jorge Jesus.

The former Benfica coach had set the tone from the moment he took office: “Being a symbol does not give him the right to play every match. If he is not performing, he does not play.” Jesus’s first official team sheet contradicts this message: the 41-year-old striker, who plays for Al-Nassr, is indeed in the starting eleven, paired in attack with his club teammate Joao Félix.

The real surprise of this lineup is the absence of Joao Neves. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, one of the most prominent players in Ligue 1 this season, starts on the bench.

Unlike Lionel Messi, who ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo has therefore chosen to continue his journey with the national team. The question of his role — undisputed starter or luxury substitute — remains open, and the coming weeks will tell whether Jesus maintains this choice or applies the rotation he announced.

Portugal’s lineup: Diogo Costa — Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Veiga, Mendes — Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Pedro Neto — Joao Félix — Cristiano Ronaldo.

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