Portugal, unbeaten in their Nations League group and fresh off a playoff victory over Denmark, has just announced their 27-man preliminary squad for the Final Four in Germany. On June 4, they will face tournament hosts Germany in the semi-final, with a chance to meet either France or Spain in the final on June 8. Yet, despite the anticipation, one name on the list has ignited a wave of fury and debate across soccer circles.
The most talked-about selection wasn’t a young star or a tactical wildcard. It was the inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo, who—despite recent injury concerns and absence from club matches—was named in the squad and declared fit. The announcement, made by head coach Roberto Martínez via the Portuguese Soccer Federation on Tuesday, featured the biggest name in Portuguese soccer — but it’s that very inclusion that has caused uproar.
Ronaldo, now 40, has been dealing with muscle injuries in recent weeks. The Al-Nassr striker missed his club’s last two matches, including a Saudi Pro League clash against Al Taawoun and a prior fixture versus Al Akhdoud. Many believed the forward’s season was effectively over.
According to Saudi media outlets, the legendary striker had been “rested due to physical exhaustion”. He’s featured in a staggering 39 matches this season, scoring 33 goals and contributing four assists. Yet despite concerns about his fitness and reports of his fatigue, Ronaldo will join the national team in Munich.
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Coach Martinez defends the decision
Martínez, now in his second year in charge of Portugal, was quick to downplay the criticism. “The medical information on Cristiano Ronaldo is that he will be fit for the games. There is no problem,” the coach assured reporters. He confirmed that the current list of 27 players would be trimmed before the competition begins, but Ronaldo’s place appears secure.
The move has been met with skepticism from fans online. Many are questioning how a player who has not completed a full match in recent weeks — and was absent from recent club duties — is suddenly deemed fit to compete at the top level of European soccer.
Adding to the controversy is the context of Al-Nassr’s recent form. The Saudi club is out of the title race, with Al-Ittihad crowned champions two matches before the season’s end. This has led some to believe the Portuguese’s absence was as much tactical and protective as it was medical — perhaps a calculated move with Portugal or even the FIFA Club World Cup with a different club in mind.
