The uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future deepened after Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus indicated the 41-year-old remains eligible for selection following his sudden withdrawal from the national team training camp.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca echoed this sentiment, characterizing the incident as a miscommunication likely to be settled privately within the federation.
However, the origins of the apparent split remain unclear, prompting questions over whether the superstar will don the national jersey once more.
What unfolded between Ronaldo and Jesus?
Ronaldo departed the squad late Wednesday, immediately following a news conference where Jesus confirmed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not feature in the starting lineup against Denmark, extending his Nations League absence to two matches.
The exit came as a surprise, as Ronaldo was scheduled to train alongside his teammates at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium.
The nation’s leading scorer had already spent the entire 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway away on September 27 on the bench, having captained the side during the 1-0 home win over Wales three days earlier.
The match in Oslo marked the first time since November 2024 that Ronaldo failed to appear for Portugal without being injured or suspended.
Ronaldo’s response
Ronaldo appeared to suggest the rationale behind Jesus’s decision ran deeper, hinting at a potential departure from the national team he has represented for more than two decades.
“In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated,” Ronaldo stated in a cryptic Instagram post announcing his sudden exit from the camp.
Spanish daily Marca reported that Jesus and Proenca traveled to Copenhagen Airport in an attempt to persuade him to remain with the squad before he boarded his private jet.
Reports also indicated that Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro had discussed Ronaldo’s involvement with the coach on Wednesday.
Jesus insisted there was no falling out between them, although the 72-year-old, appointed in July, acknowledged that his captain was disappointed to be left on the bench against Norway.
Portugal’s form without Ronaldo
Despite his absence, defending Nations League champions Portugal secured victories against Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen and Norway 2-1 in Porto. They also became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals, guaranteeing a top-two finish in Group A4.
Forward Goncalo Ramos filled the void effectively, scoring three goals to join Joao Felix as the team’s joint top scorer, while the AC Milan player also contributed an assist.
Jesus reiterates open stance
Speaking Sunday, Jesus confirmed Ronaldo could rejoin the national team should he wish to.
“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,” said Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. “He’s the one who should decide how he wants to end his time with the national team. 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.”
Jesus expects the forward to be available for the next international window if he chooses to return.
Teammates urge unity
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes said Saturday that he had spoken to Ronaldo and dismissed suggestions of division within the squad.
“I had a chat with him and what I said to him is what I’ll repeat here: the most important thing is that, whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never cease to be the greatest symbol of our national team, of our football and of the country,” Fernandes told a news conference.
“For what he has achieved not only in Portugal, but all over the world. He has a place reserved not only amongst the all-time greats, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people.”
“The most important thing is that we stop stirring up trouble; there are no divisions within the national team. It is one team and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside.”
Fernandes called for cohesion following a turbulent few days during which Portuguese fans have been divided over Ronaldo’s decision.
“We are outside of this controversy, but what I ask is that the country does not divide itself, does not make choices, that it respects all sides, but, at the same time, Cris is and will be the biggest icon of our national team. He deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or [who likes him] less,” Fernandes added.
Final outing against Wales
Ronaldo featured just once for Portugal during this year’s Nations League campaign, playing 67 minutes in their 1-0 home win over Wales.
It was a frustrating evening for the Al-Nassr forward, who missed several opportunities. He found the back of the net once and shinned an inviting volley high over from close range.
Around the hour mark, Ronaldo slid the ball into the Wales net but, to his evident disbelief, was ruled offside.
He was still shaking his head when Jesus substituted him seven minutes later.
Prospects of a return
A definitive answer remains elusive.
Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, has indicated this is likely his final season of football. The forward has been a fixture of the national team for more than two decades and has competed at six World Cups.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker remains Portugal’s record scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.
He reached the World Cup semifinals in 2006 and captained his country to glory at Euro 2016. Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated by eventual winners Spain in the last 16 of this year’s World Cup.
Upcoming fixtures
Portugal has completed its quota of four Nations League fixtures in this extended international window.
Their upcoming matches fall in the next window: a home game against Norway on November 14 and an away match against Wales three days later.
Those matches will wrap up Portugal’s league phase in the Nations League, which they have won twice.
