Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy should not be defined by latest Jorge Jesus dispute

Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s camp before the Nations League meeting with Denmark has triggered accusations of betrayal, arrogance and self-interest, but reports from Portugal and Spain have offered a more complicated account of the dispute.

Ronaldo travelled to Madrid after leaving the squad, prompting a fierce argument between his supporters and critics, including personal abuse on social media. The episode intensified after Jorge Jesus, who had criticised Ronaldo during a news conference, went to the airport with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca to try to persuade the forward to stay.

That decision raises questions about Jorge Jesus’ handling of the situation. If the manager had been angry enough to attack Ronaldo publicly only hours earlier, why did he then travel to the airport to reconcile with the player he had criticised?

Reports in Portugal and Spain claim Jorge Jesus persuaded Ronaldo not to retire from international football after the World Cup. The source argues that was a major mistake for Ronaldo, whose remaining ambition is to reach 1,000 career goals a target he could achieve with Al Nassr if he avoids injuries.

The same reports say Ronaldo had agreed with Jorge Jesus to play in two matches, against Wales and Norway in the fourth round, before being promised an appearance against Norway in the second round. That promise was allegedly broken. Jorge Jesus is also said to have apologised to Ronaldo at a meeting attended by Pedro Proenca over what happened in the Norway match, before strongly criticising him at a news conference just hours later.

The reason for that change in approach remains unclear, although further developments may reveal what was behind it.

A record that will endure

Some supporters have claimed Ronaldo damaged his international reputation by leaving the camp, but his achievements with Portugal are unlikely to be erased by one disputed episode.

Before Ronaldo joined the national team, Portugal had reached the World Cup only three times. Qualification had often seemed an unrealistic ambition for supporters, who endured repeated disappointments. Since Ronaldo’s arrival, however, Portugal have never missed either the World Cup or the European Championship.

Portugal had also won no major international trophies before Ronaldo. They now have three: one European Championship and two Nations League titles.

Ronaldo did not achieve that alone, but his 146 goals for Portugal and his influence on the team’s character helped transform the country’s ambitions. Qualification was once the objective; winning trophies became the expectation. His presence also forced opponents to adapt and raised the aspirations of Portuguese football, according to former players in Portugal and elsewhere.

As one Portuguese official said: “In 50 years, Jorge Jesus will not be remembered, while Cristiano will remain immortal in history.”

Arguments over Lionel Messi, the article adds, should not be allowed to distort the discussion. Supporters may believe Messi is the greatest player ever, but that view does not justify insulting those who disagree.

Neither Ronaldo nor Messi will answer for anyone else’s behaviour. Football should allow disagreement without abuse or attacks on people’s personal lives.