Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has opened the door for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team despite the forward recently leaving the squad after being told he would not start against Denmark.
Jesus said Ronaldo can be selected again if he wants to return. His comments came after Portugal defeated Norway and became the first team to secure a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, with two group matches still remaining.
“For me, Cristiano, in the next call-up, if he is playing at Al-Nassr, he will be a player who can be called up,” Jesus said. He added that Ronaldo would return to the national team if he wanted to.
The dispute began after Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench for Portugal’s first win over Norway. The veteran forward later left the national team camp after learning that he would not start against Denmark.
Despite the disagreement, Jesus indicated that he wants Ronaldo to remain part of Portugal’s plans. The coach said the two could speak before the next international call-up in November if Ronaldo wishes to do so.
Jesus also stressed that the final decision would belong to Ronaldo. He said he had already told the forward that he needed him around the national team, whether he was playing or not.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most-capped player and the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. The 41-year-old has represented Portugal since making his senior debut in 2003 at the age of 18.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has played at six World Cups and has been a key figure for Portugal for more than two decades. He has previously indicated that 2026 could be his final year as a professional footballer.
Jesus said Ronaldo should be able to decide how he wants to end his international career. The coach also recalled that he had personally told Ronaldo before his first matches in charge that he wanted him close to the team.
Ronaldo’s absence did not prevent Portugal from making progress in the competition. The team secured its place in the quarter-finals with two group games still to play.
The latest comments from Jesus could now ease tensions and leave the door open for Ronaldo to return before Portugal’s upcoming international fixtures. Any decision, however, will ultimately depend on the veteran forward and his willingness to rejoin the squad.
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