The 41-year-old captain remains a key part of the defending champions’ plans despite recent speculation about his international future.
Jesus named a 25-man squad on Friday that will prepare for matches against Wales, Norway and Denmark. Ronaldo, who plays his club football with Saudi side Al Nassr, is one of 13 players in the group who have previously worked under the 72-year-old coach.
“His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count,” Jesus told a news conference. “Cris is a player like any other. If he performs, he plays; if not, he doesn’t. He has a different status – he has five Ballon d’Or awards – but does that factor into my decisions? No.”
Ronaldo had fuelled retirement talk in August when he suggested the coming year could be the last of his playing career. He also confirmed after Portugal’s World Cup exit in July that the 2026 tournament would be his final World Cup, while leaving the door open regarding his wider international future.
Portugal begin their Nations League campaign at home to Wales on 24 September. They then travel to face Norway on 27 September and Denmark on 1 October, before hosting Norway again on 4 October.
Jesus was appointed in July after Roberto Martinez stepped down following Portugal’s last-16 exit at the World Cup. The experienced coach previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr.
The full squad includes experienced names such as Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo, alongside younger talents including Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos.