Portugal head coach
Despite the nature of his departure, Jesus expressed a desire to maintain an open dialogue with the 41-year-old. The coach confirmed that the decision regarding a potential return rests entirely with the player, noting that he is willing to speak with Ronaldo ahead of the next international window in November.
A Path Back to the National Squad
The situation escalated last week when Ronaldo was named on the bench for Portugal’s opening victory against Norway. Following the news that he would again be excluded from the starting XI for the subsequent fixture against Denmark, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star opted to leave the camp. Despite this, Jesus remains adamant that Ronaldo’s international career should conclude on his own terms.
Reflecting on their initial conversations after he took over from Roberto Martinez following the 2026 World Cup, Jesus emphasized the importance of the player's presence. The coach stated that he had explicitly told Ronaldo he was needed in the squad, regardless of whether he was starting matches or not. Jesus reiterated that his stance has not changed, affirming that he still values the contribution of the nation's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer.
Context of a Storied Career
Ronaldo, who first represented Portugal in 2003 at the age of 18, has been a central figure in the national setup for over two decades, participating in six World Cups. With the forward having previously suggested that this year will likely be his final one in professional football, the current uncertainty surrounding his international future marks a significant moment for the team.
Portugal has continued to perform well in his absence, recently becoming the first team to secure a spot in the
