Portugal has officially announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash against Denmark. The team will be captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, with Manchester City defender Ruben Dias making a return after recovering from a muscular injury sustained during Premier League action.
Young Talent Earns Call-Up
One of the standout inclusions in the squad is 17-year-old Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon. Despite his young age, Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has shown confidence in his abilities.
"At 17, being in the national team shows his potential," Martinez stated. He further emphasized that age is "not a problem," highlighting that selection is based on quality, commitment, and hard work.
Portugal’s Full 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Diogo Costa (FC Porto)
- Rui Silva (Sporting Lisbon)
- Jose Sa (Wolverhampton/ENG)
Defenders:
- Diogo Dalot (Manchester United/ENG)
- Nelson Semedo (Wolverhampton/ENG)
- Nuno Mendes (PSG/FRA)
- Nuno Tavares (Lazio/ITA)
- Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting Lisbon)
- Ruben Dias (Manchester City/ENG)
- Antonio Silva (Benfica)
- Renato Veiga (Juventus/ITA)
Midfielders:
- Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich/GER)
- Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal/KSA)
- Joao Neves (PSG/FRA)
- Vitinha (PSG/FRA)
- Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United/ENG)
- Bernardo Silva (Manchester City/ENG)
- Joao Felix (AC Milan/ITA)
Forwards:
- Francisco Trincao (Sporting Lisbon)
- Francisco Conceicao (Juventus/ITA)
- Pedro Neto (Chelsea/ENG)
- Geovany Quenda (Sporting Lisbon)
- Rafael Leao (AC Milan/ITA)
- Diogo Jota (Liverpool/ENG)
- Goncalo Ramos (PSG/FRA)
Coach Martinez's Selection Approach
Speaking about the selection process, Martinez stressed that each decision was made with great care and professionalism.
"The choice of those who are selected was meticulous and professional," he stated. He acknowledged the difficulty of leaving out deserving players, adding, "If I could call them all, I would because they deserve it, but it’s not possible."
Notably, Joao Cancelo (Al-Hilal) and Otavio (Al-Nassr) were left out due to injuries.
Match Schedule
Portugal will face Denmark on March 20 in Copenhagen, followed by the return leg in Lisbon on March 23. With a mix of experience and emerging talent, the Ronaldo-led squad will aim to secure a spot in the Nations League semifinals.