Portugal coach Roberto Martínez recently announced his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, and it comes as no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo has been included despite his lackluster performance at the European Championship. Martínez seems to be looking towards the future as he mentioned starting a “new cycle” for the 2026 World Cup. However, with Ronaldo being 41 by the time the tournament kicks off, questions arise about whether he will continue to be a significant part of the team.
Looking at the defensive line-up, names like Rúben Dias and Nélson Semedo immediately stand out. Dias, who plays for Manchester City, has proven himself to be a solid defender with great leadership qualities. Semedo, on the other hand, adds pace and attacking threat from the right-back position. With the likes of Renato Veiga and Diogo Dalot in the mix, Portugal seems to have a good balance of experience and potential in defense.
The midfield and attacking options in the squad also look promising. Players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva bring creativity and goal-scoring threat from midfield, while young talents like João Félix and Francisco Trincão offer flair and unpredictability in the final third. The inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota in the forward line provides experience and pace, giving Portugal different attacking dimensions to work with.
Martínez’s squad selection seems to strike a balance between experience and youth, with a mix of established stars and up-and-coming talents. The decision to include Ronaldo despite his recent struggles shows the coach’s faith in the veteran forward’s ability to bounce back. However, with a new cycle starting for the 2026 World Cup, it will be interesting to see how Martínez manages the transition and integrates the next generation of Portuguese talent into the team.
The future of Portuguese football looks bright with the current squad assembled by Roberto Martínez. While questions remain about Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in the team moving forward, the blend of established stars and promising youngsters bodes well for the team’s prospects in the upcoming Nations League matches and beyond. As the team prepares for a new cycle towards the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on how the players perform and how Martínez navigates the challenges of transitioning to a new era in Portuguese football.