Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly made it clear that he will not return to the Portugal national team as long as Jorge Jesus remains in charge.
The 41-year-old forward’s international future has been thrown into further uncertainty following his abrupt departure from Portugal’s camp last week amid a disagreement over his role in the team.
Ronaldo left after being an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway and learning that he would not start against Denmark.
Reports on Tuesday indicate that Ronaldo’s position has not changed, with his return seemingly dependent on a change in the national team’s technical leadership.
However, Jesus has publicly maintained that the door remains open for the veteran forward. The Portugal coach said Ronaldo could be selected for the next international break if he wants to return, leaving the decision in the player’s hands.
Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença has also described the situation as a misunderstanding and insisted that Ronaldo remains part of the team’s plans on sporting merit.
Ronaldo is Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances and has suggested that 2026 could be his final year in football.
