Cristiano Ronaldo Left Out of Portugal Squad for March International Break

Lisbon—Cristiano Ronaldo will not join Portugal’s national team during the March international break, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed on Monday. Coach Roberto Martínez told reporters that a minor muscle complaint has sidelined the 39-year-old forward, ruling him out of upcoming friendlies in the United States and Mexico.

“He is not at risk for the World Cup,” Martínez said, referencing the 2026 tournament. “It’s a minor muscle injury. We believe he should be back in one or two weeks. But what he has done this season shows he is in great shape; we have no physical concerns about him.”

Ronaldo, who plays his club football for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, has been left off the 25-man roster released earlier today. The absence marks a rare break for the all-time leading scorer, who has featured in every major Portugal squad since his debut in 2003.

Martínez has called up three goalkeepers—Diogo Costa, José Sá, and Rui Silva—and an eight-man defensive unit headlined by Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, and Barcelona’s João Cancelo. Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes is also included after recovering from his own injury issues.

The midfield features a mix of experience and youth, with Al Hilal’s Rúben Neves, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, and PSG duo Vitinha and João Neves all selected. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will anchor the creative responsibilities.

In attack, Martínez will rely on Milan’s Rafael Leão, Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, and PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos to provide the firepower in Ronaldo’s absence. João Félix, who recently joined Al Nassr alongside Ronaldo, is included, as are domestic standouts Ricardo Horta and Pedro Gonçalves.

Portugal will face the host nations during their trans-Atlantic tour, offering Martínez a chance to test combinations ahead of the next competitive cycle. The team departs for North America later this week.