Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team, saying the veteran forward will remain eligible for selection if he chooses to continue his international career.
Jesus made the clarification after Portugal defeated Norway 2–1 to secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, despite Ronaldo being absent from the squad. The result made Portugal the first team to book a place in the competition’s last eight.
Ronaldo, 41, left Portugal’s training camp on September 30 after being informed that he would not start against Denmark. He had previously been left on the bench during Portugal’s victory over Norway, triggering speculation about his relationship with the newly appointed coach and his future with the national side.
Jesus, however, said the situation had not closed the door on Ronaldo. According to the coach, the forward could be called up again provided he remains active for his Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr, and wants to return.
“For me, Cris, in the next call-up, if he’s playing at Al-Nassr, he’ll be a player who can be called up,” Jesus said, stressing that the decision ultimately belongs to Ronaldo.
The Portuguese coach also indicated that he would be willing to speak with Ronaldo before the team’s next international fixtures in November if the player wishes to discuss the situation.
Jesus had previously selected Ronaldo in his first Portugal squad after taking over from Roberto Martínez following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the time, he made clear that Ronaldo’s reputation would not guarantee him a starting position, insisting that selection would continue to be based on performance.
Ronaldo remains one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history. He is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having represented the national team since making his senior debut in 2003. He has also won two UEFA Nations League titles with Portugal.
The latest development therefore leaves Ronaldo’s international future unresolved rather than formally ended. While his departure from the recent camp created uncertainty, Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation have indicated that there remains a pathway for his return.
With Portugal already through to the Nations League quarter-finals, attention will now turn to whether Ronaldo chooses to resume his international career or bring his more than two-decade association with the national team to an end.
Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can return to Portugal’s national team if he wants, leaving the decision on the veteran forward’s international future in his own hands.
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