Portugal has officially unveiled its squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, with head coach Roberto Martínez naming a formidable lineup featuring a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents.
Leading the charge for the Seleção is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to defy age and expectations as he remains a key figure in the squad.
Alongside him, midfield maestros Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva will provide the creative spark needed to guide Portugal to victory.
A Well-Balanced Squad
The squad, announced via the national team’s official X account on Friday, consists of a carefully selected mix of experienced players and rising stars.
Portugal will be relying on its solid defensive unit, dynamic midfield, and a potent attacking force to navigate the crucial knockout stage of the competition.
Goalkeepers:
- Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
- José Sá (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Rui Silva (Real Betis)
Portugal’s goalkeeping department remains strong, with Diogo Costa emerging as the clear first-choice option. His performances for FC Porto and the national team have been consistently impressive, while José Sá and Rui Silva offer reliable backup options.
Defenders:
- Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)
- Nélson Semedo (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Nuno Tavares (Nottingham Forest)
- Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting CP)
- Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
- António Silva (Benfica)
- Renato Veiga (FC Basel)
With Manchester City’s Rúben Dias anchoring the defense, Portugal boasts a sturdy backline.
Young center-back António Silva has also earned his place in the squad after impressive performances for Benfica.
Meanwhile, the inclusion of full-backs Nuno Mendes and Diogo Dalot adds attacking width and defensive stability.
Midfielders:
- João Palhinha (Fulham)
- Rúben Neves (Al Hilal)
- João Neves (Benfica)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Portugal’s midfield is packed with creativity, technical ability, and defensive resilience. João Palhinha and Rúben Neves provide the defensive cover, while Vitinha and João Neves add youthful energy.
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, known for their playmaking and vision, will be crucial in unlocking opposition defenses.
Forwards:
- João Félix (Barcelona)
- Francisco Trincão (Sporting CP)
- Francisco Conceição (FC Porto)
- Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
- Geovany Quenda (Benfica)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
- Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
- Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
- Gonçalo Ramos (Paris Saint-Germain)
The attacking department is spearheaded by the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to deliver top performances despite being 40 years old.
Alongside him, Rafael Leão and Diogo Jota provide versatility and goal-scoring prowess.
The inclusion of young talents like Geovany Quenda and Francisco Conceição indicates Portugal’s commitment to grooming the next generation of superstars.
Portugal’s Chances in the UEFA Nations League
Portugal enters the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals as one of the tournament favorites. Having won the inaugural edition in 2019, the team aims to reclaim the title with its current blend of experience and youth.
The presence of established stars like Ronaldo, Fernandes, and Silva gives Portugal an edge, while young players such as João Neves and António Silva bring fresh energy.
Coach Roberto Martínez will be keen to improve on Portugal’s previous performances in major tournaments.
Since taking over from Fernando Santos, Martínez has emphasized a more attacking style of play while maintaining defensive solidity.
The tactical flexibility of this squad allows Portugal to adapt to different opponents, making them a formidable side in the competition.
Key Players to Watch
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Despite playing in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s talisman. His leadership and goal-scoring ability will be crucial.
- Bruno Fernandes: As one of the best midfielders in the world, Fernandes’ passing and playmaking will dictate Portugal’s attacking rhythm.
- Rúben Dias: The Manchester City defender will be the backbone of Portugal’s defense, ensuring the team remains solid at the back.
- Rafael Leão: The AC Milan winger has been in fine form and will be expected to provide pace and creativity on the flanks.
Tough Competition Ahead
Portugal will face stiff competition from Europe’s elite nations in the knockout stage. Powerhouses like France, Spain, Germany, and Italy are all vying for the title, making the road to victory challenging.
However, with a squad brimming with talent and experience, Portugal has every reason to believe in its chances.
As Portugal prepares for the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, the squad announcement has ignited excitement among fans.
With a perfect mix of legendary figures and promising newcomers, the team is well-equipped to mount a strong challenge for the title.
Whether Ronaldo can inspire another trophy-winning campaign remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Portugal’s squad is one of the most balanced and competitive in the tournament.
