Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal return reportedly depends on Jorge Jesus departure

Cristiano Ronaldo will not return to the Portugal national team while Jorge Jesus remains in charge, according to a report that has cast fresh doubt over the forward’s international future.

The dispute between Ronaldo and Portugal appears unresolved and could develop into a serious obstacle to the captain’s return. The latest claims follow comments from Jesus, who had suggested that the door remained open for the 40-year-old.

Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, Jesus said Ronaldo was free to decide whether he wanted to resume his international career.

“Everything is open. Cristiano has to decide his own future; it does not depend on me,” said Jesus. “It was a misunderstanding and, in my opinion, it is easy to solve. I am not sad – it is his decision.”

However, Portuguese journalist Rui Santos, of CNN Portugal, says the remarks were not well received by Ronaldo, who is reportedly deeply disappointed by what the manager said.

Santos claims Ronaldo has told people close to him that he “will not return to the Portugal national team as long as Jorge Jesus remains in charge”.

The report was carried by French publication Foot Mercato, which said the disagreement was linked to Ronaldo’s interpretation of Jesus’ comments and the apparent inconsistency in the manager’s position.

Jesus has expressed a desire for Ronaldo to come back and play in the UEFA Nations League. At the same time, however, he has said that he is not required to apologise and that he has the authority to decide which players are included in the Portugal squad.

That combination has reportedly strengthened Ronaldo’s belief that the comments were not simply an isolated misunderstanding. The forward is said to view the manager’s public position as contradictory, with Jesus appearing to welcome his return while also making clear that the final decision over selection rests with him.

Ronaldo’s return to Portugal therefore appears to be directly connected to Jesus’ future as head coach. Unless the situation changes, the disagreement leaves the national team’s leading figure’s international comeback uncertain.

The issue remains unresolved, with Ronaldo’s next move and the position of Jesus expected to determine whether the forward wears the Portugal shirt again.