Portugal calls up Cristiano Ronaldo for upcoming matches at age 41

Cristiano Ronaldo is 41 years old and still getting called up for Portugal. At an age when most footballers are deep into their second career as pundits or vineyard owners, Ronaldo continues to defy the biological clock that governs professional sport. Portugal is set to announce its squad for the opening matches of the 2026 UEFA Nations League, and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is on the list. The country’s all-time leader in international appearances, with 233 caps, apparently has no plans to stop adding to that total. New coach, same captain The call-up comes under Jorge Jesus, Portugal’s newly appointed head coach. Jesus and Ronaldo are not strangers: the two worked together at Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League club where Ronaldo has been playing since early 2023. That existing relationship appears to be a factor. Jesus has reportedly committed to including Ronaldo in his squads as long as the forward maintains his performance level. Portugal’s fall campaign opens with a home fixture against Wales on September 24, followed by a trip to face Norway on September 27. The schedule then picks up with Denmark on October 1 and a return match against Norway on October 4. The 1,000-goal...