Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo can still return to the national setup if he decides to make himself available following his dramatic departure.
The drama between Ronaldo and Jesus have sparked reactions from the football world, as many insist Ronaldo might have played his last game for Portugal.
However, Jesus addressed the situation after completing Sunday’s run of four Nations League fixtures.
Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 to seal a quarter-final spot for the reigning champions, but the main talking point was the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus.
Speaking post-match, Jesus clarified that any decision regarding a return for Ronaldo rests entirely with the forward himself.
Cristiano Ronaldo warming up during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Norway and Portugal. (Photo by Torbjorn Tande/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Jesus said: “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team. We can talk before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who’s going to decide. Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants, he’s the one who will decide how he wants it. In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you’. And now I’m saying the same thing.”
Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening 1-0 victory over Wales but things changed when he was named on the bench in Norway.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus their time at Al-Nassr. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The veteran attacker was visibly frustrated after spending the entire second half warming up without ever being brought on.
When Jesus subsequently confirmed in a press conference that the forward would not start against Denmark either, the captain sensationally walked out of the camp.
It’s now left to be seen if Ronaldo will still play for Portugal when they return to action on November 14 to host Denmark in Group A4, before travelling to face Wales three days later.
