Portugal’s national team manager Jorge Jesus told reporters on Sunday that veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo remains eligible for future call‑ups, but that any return will depend entirely on the player’s own decision. The statement came after Portugal secured a 2‑1 comeback victory over Norway, becoming the first side to clinch a place in the quarter‑finals of the 2026‑27 UEFA Nations League.
Portugal clinch Nations League quarter‑final spot
The match against Norway, played on Sunday, saw the Portuguese side overturn an early deficit. Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer opened the scoring with a striking effort from outside the penalty area. Portugal responded when Joao Cancelo delivered a powerful finish to level the score. The decisive goal arrived in the 86th minute when Goncalo Ramos netted the winner, sealing a 2‑1 triumph and guaranteeing Portugal’s progression to the next stage of the competition.
Jesus highlighted the significance of the result, noting that the team demonstrated it could succeed without relying on the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star. He also reiterated that Ronaldo, who is currently with Saudi club Al‑Nassr, would still be considered for future selections should he express the desire to rejoin.
Ronaldo’s exit and possible return
Ronaldo’s absence from the squad stems from a dispute that led him to leave the national‑team camp on Wednesday. The disagreement centered on his selection for the match against Denmark, where he learned he would again be named on the bench. Following the decision, Ronaldo took a private flight back to Saudi Arabia, effectively walking out of the camp.
Earlier in the Nations League campaign, Ronaldo was substituted in the opening match against Wales on September 24 and remained an unused substitute in the 2‑1 victory over Norway on September 27. Portugal later defeated Denmark 4‑2 on Thursday, despite ongoing speculation about the forward’s future with the national side.
Jesus said he would be ready to speak with Ronaldo before Portugal’s next fixtures in November if the player wishes to discuss a 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 told reporters. “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.” He added that the decision rests with Ronaldo, emphasizing that the coach has already communicated his desire to have the veteran in the squad, whether he plays or not.
Coach and teammates weigh in on the controversy
Jorge Jesus, who took over the role after Roberto Martinez’s tenure ended following the 2026 World Cup, described Ronaldo as a “symbol of Portugal.” The 72‑year‑old manager recalled telling the forward during his first call‑up that he needed him close to the group, regardless of whether he started or sat on the bench. “I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you,’” Jesus said, reiterating the same sentiment now.
Portugal captain Bruno Fernandes also addressed the situation in the media on Saturday, urging the nation to avoid division. “He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things,” Fernandes said. He called for respect for Ronaldo, describing him as the biggest icon of the national team and asking the public not to let external noise create splits within the squad.
The Portuguese side’s upcoming schedule includes a home match against Denmark on November 14, followed by a final group game in Wales on November 17. Both fixtures will provide further opportunities for Jesus to assess squad composition and for Ronaldo to decide whether to re‑engage with the national program.
In a broader context, the article also notes that Argentina’s Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for his country in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, underscoring the parallel twilight phases of two of football’s most celebrated players.
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