Jorge Jesus has enjoyed an impressive opening spell as Portugal's head coach, guiding the national side to victories over Wales and Norway in the UEFA Nations League. Yet, as the team prepares for Thursday's trip to Denmark, the spotlight has shifted to a tense "crisis" meeting involving captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 41-year-old forward, who has been a fixture in Portugal's starting eleven since his debut in 2003, did not step onto the pitch during Sunday's 1-0 win over Norway. He also missed the team training sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has offered no explanation of injury or any physical problem that might have kept him out. Ronaldo's role in the national squad has been a hot topic for several years. After two decades as an automatic starter, the five‑time Ballon d'Or winner was omitted from the starting line‑up by former coach Fernando Santos during Portugal's 2022 World Cup knockout games against Switzerland and Morocco.
His successor, Roberto Martinez, reinstated him, and Ronaldo started all ten of Portugal's matches in the 2024 European Championship qualifiers and the World Cup finals later that summer. While his long‑time rival Lionel Messi, now 39, is set to make his final appearance for Argentina against Benin, there is no indication that the Al Nassr striker intends to retire from international duty. In a recent interview, Ronaldo said he would "probably" hang up his club boots at the end of the 2026 season, but he reaffirmed his desire to continue contributing to the national team during the current international break.
"I'm a thinker. You have to think," Ronaldo explained when asked whether he was contemplating retirement after the World Cup.
"That is why you see me here now. It means I will continue. I spoke with the FPF president and our coach. I still believe I can help the national team achieve its goals, and I will quit when I feel I am no longer adding value." In the match against Wales, Ronaldo recorded seven attempts but failed to find the net before being substituted in the 65th minute for Gonçalo Ramos.
Coach Jesus defended the decision, saying fresh legs were needed to press the Welsh centre‑backs and provide more speed in the defensive line. Three days later, against Norway, Ronaldo remained an unused substitute. "Whether we like it or not, Cris isn't like João Neves, who is 20 and can play every three days," Jesus remarked, highlighting the veteran's need for careful management. Initially, Jesus had indicated that Ronaldo would be involved in the Norway game, albeit not as a starter.
When the final whistle blew in Oslo, Ronaldo walked straight from the bench down the tunnel, bypassing the customary team acknowledgment of the visiting Portuguese supporters. After the match, Jesus said it "wasn't the right moment for Cris to come on" and that the flow of the game led him to change his mind.
Anonymous sources told The Athletic that Ronaldo was visibly frustrated by not playing at all. This was only the third occasion he had been an unused substitute for Portugal, the previous instances being a Euro 2008 group match (after qualification was already secured) and a friendly against Croatia ahead of Euro 2024. The professional bond between Jesus and Ronaldo is strong. Before taking the Portugal job, Jesus coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr for a season, winning the Saudi Pro League.
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 striker. Nevertheless, Portuguese sports daily Record described the situation as an "internal earthquake". On Tuesday, Ronaldo posted a photo of himself in national training gear, accompanied by a heart emoji and the Portuguese flag, perhaps a subtle signal of his desire to stay involved. The following day, newspaper A Bola featured the headline "situacao de crise" (crisis situation) on its front page, while B24 reported an "emergency" meeting scheduled between Ronaldo, Jesus, and FPF president Pedro Proença.
The purpose, according to insiders, was to clear the air and address any lingering tensions. The federation later clarified that the gathering was not a formal meeting but a direct conversation between the coach and the captain, emphasizing the mutual respect they share. Publicly, Jesus has stressed that Ronaldo "is an important figure for Portugal, playing or not". At the start of the break, Ronaldo told the media that some sections of Portuguese society no longer wanted him in the squad.
"I feel the Portuguese fans like me, but I understand that some TV channels want to criticize 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 statistics underline his iconic status: 234 caps and 146 goals, the most appearances and goals for any nation.
He has participated in twelve major tournaments, winning Euro 2016, the Nations League in 2019, and again in 2024. His legacy is unquestionable, yet the debate over his future with Portugal remains a persistent narrative in the media and among fans. The upcoming "crisis" meeting is expected to focus on several practical issues: managing Ronaldo's minutes to preserve his fitness, defining his role—whether as a starter, impact sub, or mentor for younger forwards—and addressing the psychological aspect of his apparent frustration.
Jesus will likely outline a rotation plan that balances the team's tactical needs with the star's desire to contribute meaningfully. If an agreement is reached, Ronaldo could return to the starting lineup for the Denmark match, providing a boost of experience and leadership. Alternatively, the coach might continue to use him sparingly, preserving his impact for decisive moments.
Either scenario will shape public perception and could influence the FPF's long‑term planning as they look beyond the 2026 World Cup toward the next European Championship cycle. Regardless of the outcome, Ronaldo's presence—on the pitch or on the bench—continues to generate significant commercial and emotional value for Portuguese football.
Sponsors, broadcasters, and fans all benefit from his brand, making the resolution of this "crisis" a matter of both sporting and economic importance. The story originally appeared in The Athletic and reflects ongoing developments as Portugal navigates the delicate balance between honoring a legend and evolving the squad for future success.