Revitalised Lazio Star Earns His First International Call-up in 2026

Lazio full-back Nuno Tavares has worked his way back to the Portugal squad after an impressive start to the season.

Nuno Tavares Revived Under Gennaro Gattuso

The former Arsenal star is coming off a difficult year under Maurizio Sarri, and he was expected to either leave the club or play second fiddle to new arrival, Alfonso Pedraza. However, the 26-year-old used his experience under the former Lazio boss to improve his defensive attributes, while Gennaro Gattuso reconfirmed him as a starter, giving him the license to push forward all match.

Tavares Returns to Portugal Squad

Tavares was arguably Lazio’s best player on the pitch in the 2-2 draw against AC Milan, playing a vital role in Matteo Cancellieri and Tijjani Noslin’s goals. The left-back’s exploits in the Italian capital didn’t go unnoticed, as Portugal’s new head coach Jorge Jesus has decided to include him in his squad for the extended international break.

🚨🇵🇹 Jorge Jesus releases his first ever Portugal squad with Cristiano Ronaldo included. pic.twitter.com/8I9S0yN1Rb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 18, 2026

Tavares will likely serve as a backup for Paris Saint-Germain star Nuno Mendes, who is widely considered the best left-back in the world. Nevertheless, the Iberians will play four group-stage fixtures in the newest edition of the UEFA Nations League, so the Lazio man is expected to take part in the action at some point. The Selecao will play against Wales, Norway (twice), and Denmark.

Tavares’ International Record

The Lisbon native only has three international caps to his name, all coming off the bench. His latest cameo for the national team was against Hungary in October 2025. He hasn’t been selected since. Nevertheless, the biggest talking point was Cristiano Ronaldo’s inclusion in the squad.

Portugal Squad for the International Break

• Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), Rui Silva (Sporting), Samuel Soares (Benfica).
• Defenders: Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), João Cancelo (Barcelona), Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), Renato Veiga (Villarreal), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Tomás Araújo (Benfica), Nuno Tavares (Lazio).
• Midfielders: Rúben Neves (Al Hilal), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Real Madrid), João Palhinha (Benfica).
• Forwards: João Félix (Al Nassr), Francisco Trincão (Al Ahli), Francisco Conceição (Juventus), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Rafael Leão (Galatasaray), Gonçalo Ramos (AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) and Fábio Silva (Borussia Dortmund).