Jorge Jesus leaves Portugal door open for Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal’s new coach says Ronaldo can still be selected if fit, while the forward weighs his international future after the World Cup exit.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Jorge Jesus said Cristiano Ronaldo can remain part of Portugal’s national team if he is available and fit enough to be selected. The comments matter because Ronaldo has yet to decide whether to keep playing for Portugal after the team’s 2026 World Cup ended in the round of 16.
AFP reported that Portugal appointed Jesus as national coach after Roberto Martinez’s side was eliminated by Spain. Jesus, 71, spoke Friday at his presentation and made clear that he does not see Ronaldo’s status as a difficulty for the squad.
According to AFP, Ronaldo has said the 2026 tournament was his final World Cup. He has not announced whether he will continue with the national team outside the World Cup cycle.
Ronaldo decision pending
Jesus told reporters he would select Ronaldo as long as the forward was still playing and met the standards the coach sets for the team, AFP reported. He said any decision would come with limits and conditions based on what he believes serves Portugal best.
Jesus also said he had not yet spoken with Ronaldo about the issue. He said the two would hold a private discussion about what Ronaldo wants to do with the rest of his career, according to AFP.
The new coach praised Ronaldo’s standing in Portuguese football, describing him as a lasting figure in the national team’s history. AFP reported that Jesus said he enjoyed working with Ronaldo over the past year and found him easy to coach.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, played under Jesus at Al-Nassr. Jesus left the Saudi club in May after leading it to the Saudi Pro League title, according to AFP.
Al-Nassr link carries into Portugal job
Jesus said his time with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr gave him insight into the forward’s plans. According to AFP, the coach said Ronaldo had told him he intended to finish his career at the Saudi club.
The Portugal role gives Jesus a long-term assignment with the national team. AFP reported that he is set to lead Portugal through the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
Portugal’s next phase begins with uncertainty around its most famous player. Jesus’s remarks leave the decision partly with Ronaldo, while putting selection in the hands of the new coach and his view of the team’s needs.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.