Cristiano Ronaldo Can Return to Portugal Team If He Wants, Says Coach Jorge Jesus

Portugal Win Without Ronaldo

Portugal showed they can win without Cristiano Ronaldo. They beat Norway 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. With that win, Portugal became the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 2026-27 Nations League. Norway took the lead through a stunning goal from Kristoffer Ajer. Joao Cancelo equalised with a powerful finish. Then Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal in the 86th minute. Portugal did not need Ronaldo to get the result.

Ronaldo Left the Camp After a Selection Dispute

Ronaldo left Portugal’s national team camp on Wednesday. The decision came after a dispute over his selection. He was substituted in the Nations League opener against Wales on September 24. Then he was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway on September 27. When he was told he would be on the bench again for the match in Denmark, he took a private flight back to Saudi Arabia. Portugal went on to win 4-2 in Denmark on Thursday. Ronaldo’s future with the national team was suddenly in doubt.

Jesus Says the Door Is Open

After the win over Norway, coach Jorge Jesus spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo. He said Ronaldo can return to the squad if he wishes. Jesus said that for him, Cristiano will be a player who can be called up in the next squad if he is playing at Al-Nassr. He said if Ronaldo wants to, he will return to the national team. Jesus also said he would speak with Ronaldo before Portugal’s next matches in November if Ronaldo wants to talk. But he made it clear that Ronaldo is the one who will decide.

Read More: Carnage At Rijeka As England Trounce Horrific Croatia 7-0

Jesus Says He Needs Ronaldo

Jesus also explained his earlier conversations with Ronaldo. He said he told Ronaldo that he needed him in the squad for his first games as coach. Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup. He said he told Ronaldo, “I need you. I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing. I need you.” He said he is saying the same thing now. Jesus also said that Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants. He said Ronaldo is the one who will decide how he wants it.

Bruno Fernandes Calls for Unity

Bruno Fernandes, Ronaldo’s international teammate, spoke to the media before the return match against Norway. He tried to calm the growing tension in Portugal. Fernandes said Ronaldo has a reserved place not only among the best of all time but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people. He said the most important thing is that people stop dividing things. He said there are no divisions in the national team. It is one and will remain so, despite any noise from outside. Fernandes asked the country not to divide itself and not to make choices. He said people should respect all sides. He also said Ronaldo is and will be the biggest icon of the national team. He deserves everyone’s respect, regardless of who likes him more or less.

Ronaldo’s Long Career

Cristiano Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18. He has been a fixture of the national team for more than two decades. He has played at six World Cups. He is Portugal’s leading goalscorer and most capped player. He has said this will probably be his final year in football. He is now 41 years old. His long-time rival Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Messi has already retired from international football after the 2026 World Cup.

What Happens Next for Portugal

Portugal host Denmark in their next international on November 14. Then they complete their Nations League group in Wales on November 17. Jesus said he would speak with Ronaldo before the next call-up if Ronaldo wants to. But he repeated that Ronaldo is the one who will decide. For now, Ronaldo’s international future remains uncertain. He has not said he is retiring from the national team. The door is open for him to return. But whether he walks through it is up to him.