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Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to rejoin the Portugal squad when the national team reconvenes for the November international break.
Ronaldo triggered headlines last week after exiting Portugal’s camp, with reports pointing to a disagreement with coach Jesus over his minutes on the pitch. The winger, who also plays under Jesus at Al Nassr, has not featured for the Selecao since his departure from the squad.
Portugal have not missed a beat without their captain. The team has won both fixtures played since Ronaldo left, with Goncalo Ramos stepping into the frontline role and scoring in each match. The most recent result came against Norway, a 2-1 victory that extended Portugal’s Nations League form.
That win pushed Portugal to 12 points from four Nations League group matches, a tally that already secures their spot in the next stage of the competition regardless of how the remaining fixtures play out.
Jesus Clarifies His Stance on Ronaldo
Speaking after the Norway win, Jesus addressed the situation directly rather than deflecting questions about his star forward.
“I don’t know what Cristiano will decide,” said Jesus. “I’ve already said what I had to say, but I’ll add that this was all, for me, never an issue. I thought it was normal, as a coach, to have a player who is a symbol for the national team.”
The coach insisted there was no personal rift behind the scenes, framing the entire episode as a routine squad management decision rather than a confrontation.
“There’s nothing here that I, as a coach, have to consider non-negotiable. Since there was nothing special in terms of my authority, for me, Cris, in the next call-up, if he’s playing for Al Nassr, will be available. If he wants to return, he will return.”
Jesus pushed back against the idea that Ronaldo’s situation was treated differently from other players dealing with reduced playing time.
“It’s hard to understand. Just because it was him, the problem of warming up and not playing was created – and perhaps rightly so, because he’s a symbol. That happens with all players. How many warmed up against Norway and didn’t play? It’s always like that. Cris is different because he’s a symbol, but, for me, it wasn’t a problem.”
The message from Jesus was clear on one point: the decision rests with Ronaldo, not the coaching staff.
“If he wants to and is playing, he’ll be in the next call-up, like in this one. Cris will decide.”
A Resolution Before November?
Jesus admitted he would prefer the matter settled before the next round of fixtures, but he was careful to note that reconciliation isn’t solely in his hands.
“Yes, I agree, but it’s not up to me. An agreement requires two people. This decision is not mine to make.”
Portugal’s qualification for the next Nations League round removes any competitive pressure from the equation. Whether Ronaldo returns in November now hinges entirely on his own willingness to rejoin the squad under the current terms set by Jesus.
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