Ronaldo
Roberto Martínez announced Portugal's World Cup squad on Tuesday with a designation that no other team in the tournament will carry: 27+1.
The 27 are the players. The +1 is Diogo Jota, who died on July 3, 2025, in a car crash in Spain. He was 28. He was a regular in Portugal's squad and a central figure at Liverpool. Martínez addressed it without euphemism: "To lose Diogo Jota was an unforgettable moment and a very difficult moment. But the next day it was a responsibility for all of us to fight for Diogo Jota's dream. The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota, the plus one. He will be the plus one forever."
The squad itself is built around two stories. The first is Cristiano Ronaldo at 41, heading to a record sixth World Cup — a feat no male footballer has achieved. He is the all-time leader in men's international appearances with 226 and goals with 143, and the only man to have scored in five different World Cup tournaments. He told CNN in November that this would "definitely" be his last. Martínez was unequivocal about his inclusion: "Our captain is an example. We want him to continue with the same level of responsibility and leadership inside the locker room."
The second story is the four PSG players — Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, and Gonçalo Ramos — who will play the Champions League final against Arsenal in Budapest on May 30, then report for World Cup duty with eight days before Portugal's opener. Martínez acknowledged the complexity of managing fitness across two tournaments in three weeks, but the quality those four provide is non-negotiable. Vitinha, in particular, has emerged as one of the best midfielders in European football this season.
The attacking depth is staggering. Behind Ronaldo: Rafael Leão (AC Milan), João Félix — his Al-Nassr teammate — Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad), and Ramos. Bruno Fernandes orchestrates from midfield. Bernardo Silva provides the intelligence. Martínez has selected five fullbacks — Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Nuno Mendes, Nélson Semedo, and the versatile Matheus Nunes — acknowledging the demands of the North American climate and schedule. "The complexity of the tournament is very important. The weather, the time zone — we need more than two players per position."
Portugal won the 2025 Nations League, beating Germany in the semi-final and Spain in the final. Martínez was careful with the language of expectation: "I think only a national team that has already won the World Cup can be a favorite. We welcome the pressure, but 'candidate' is probably a better word."
The squad
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)
Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Nélson Semedo (Fenerbahce), Nuno Mendes (PSG), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting Lisbon), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Tomás Araújo (Benfica)
Midfielders: Vitinha (PSG), João Neves (PSG), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Matheus Nunes (Manchester City), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), Samú Costa (Mallorca)
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), João Félix (Al-Nassr), Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Francisco Trincão (Sporting Lisbon), Gonçalo Ramos (PSG), Gonçalo Guedes (Real Sociedad)
Reserve GK: Ricardo Velho (Gençlerbirliği) — travels with squad, eligible only for goalkeeper injury replacement.
+1: Diogo Jota.
Portugal open against DR Congo on June 17 at NRG Stadium in Houston, face Uzbekistan on June 23 at NRG Stadium, and conclude Group K against Colombia on June 27 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.