Jorge Jesus has begun his tenure as Portugal’s head coach on a high note, guiding the national side to victories over Wales and Norway in the UEFA Nations League. Yet, the optimism surrounding the upcoming trip to Denmark has been tempered by an urgent sit‑down with captain Cristiano Ronaldo, described by insiders as a "crisis" meeting.
The 41‑year‑old forward, who has been a fixture in Portugal’s starting eleven since his debut in 2003, was conspicuously absent from the action on Sunday when Portugal edged Norway 1‑0. He did not feature for a single minute and, unusually, missed the team training sessions on Monday and Tuesday. The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has not released any information about an injury or physical problem, leaving fans and pundits to speculate about the reasons behind his exclusion.
Ronaldo’s place in the national team has become a recurring topic of debate in recent years. After two decades of automatic selection, the five‑time Ballon d'Or winner was left out of the starting line‑up by former coach Fernando Santos during Portugal’s knockout matches at the 2022 World Cup against Switzerland and Morocco. His successor, Roberto Martinez, reinstated him, and Ronaldo started all ten of Portugal’s games in the 2024 European Championship qualifying campaign and the summer World Cup finals.
While his long‑time rival Lionel Messi, now 39, is set to make his final appearance for Argentina next week, there is no indication that Ronaldo, who currently plies his trade with Al Nassr, intends to retire from international duty anytime soon. In a recent interview he hinted that he might hang up his boots at the club level after next June, but he reaffirmed his commitment to the national side, saying he still believes he can contribute. "I’m a thinker.
You have to think," Ronaldo told reporters when asked whether he was considering retirement after the World Cup. "That’s why you see me here now.
It means I will continue. I had a conversation with the FPF president and our coach. I still believe I can help the national team achieve its goals, and I’ll stop when I feel I’m no longer adding value." During the 1‑0 win over Wales, Ronaldo recorded seven attempts on goal before being substituted in the 65th minute for Gonçalo Ramos. Coach Jesus explained the change, noting the need for fresh legs to press the Welsh centre‑backs and provide more speed in the defensive line.
Three days later, against Norway, Ronaldo remained an unused substitute. Jesus remarked, "Whether we like it or not, Cris isn’t like João Neves, who is 20 and can play every three days," highlighting the physical demands placed on the veteran striker. Initially, Jesus had indicated that Ronaldo would be involved in the Norway match, though not necessarily from the start. When the final whistle blew in Oslo, Ronaldo walked straight from the bench down the tunnel, bypassing the customary gathering with his teammates to acknowledge the Portuguese supporters in the stadium.
After the game, Jesus said it “wasn’t the right moment for Cris to come on” and that the state of the match had prompted a change in plans. Anonymous sources speaking to The Athletic revealed that Ronaldo was visibly frustrated by not being used at all. This marked only the third occasion in his international career that he has been an unused substitute – the previous instances being a Euro 2008 group game (when Portugal had already qualified) and a friendly against Croatia ahead of Euro 2024.
The relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo has generally been professional and mutually respectful. Prior to his appointment as Portugal coach, Jesus spent a season with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, leading the Saudi club to the league title. The 72‑year‑old manager has said his move to Saudi Arabia was largely motivated by Ronaldo’s invitation and his willingness to work with the star forward.
Nevertheless, Portuguese sports newspaper Record described the current situation as an "internal earthquake." On Tuesday, Ronaldo posted a photo of himself in national‑team training gear, accompanied by a heart emoji and the Portuguese flag, a subtle signal that he was still engaged with the squad. The following day, the daily A Bola ran a front‑page headline reading "situacao de crise" (crisis situation), while B24 reported an "emergency" meeting involving Ronaldo, Jesus, and FPF president Pedro Proença.
The purpose of the gathering, according to the federation, was simply a direct conversation between Jesus and Ronaldo to clear the air, rather than a formal meeting. Publicly, Jesus has emphasized Ronaldo’s importance to the national team, stating that he remains a crucial figure regardless of whether he takes the field.
At the start of the international break, Ronaldo acknowledged that some segments of the Portuguese public and certain media outlets were questioning his role. "I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I understand that some TV channels want to criticise me," he said. "They've tried to kill me, but only with a shotgun. They are dying for me not to come to the national team anymore." Ronaldo’s statistical record is unrivalled: 234 caps and 146 goals, the most appearances and goals for any nation.
He has competed in twelve major tournaments, lifting the Euro 2016 trophy and winning the Nations League in 2019 and 2024. His status as a national icon is unquestionable, yet the debate over his future with Portugal remains a hot topic. The upcoming meeting is expected to address tactical considerations, fitness management, and the broader narrative surrounding Ronaldo’s legacy.
Whether the discussion will result in a renewed role for the veteran forward or signal the beginning of the end for his international career is still uncertain. What is clear is that Portugal’s path to the next major tournament will be shaped by how the federation balances respect for a legend with the practical needs of a team evolving beyond his playing prime.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic. © 2026 The Athletic Media Company