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, as the team prepares for Thursday's clash in Denmark, the focus has shifted from tactical preparation to an urgent, private discussion involving captain Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41‑year‑old forward, who has been a fixture in Portugal's starting eleven since his debut in 2003, surprisingly did not step onto the pitch during Sunday's 1‑0 win over Norway. Moreover, he was absent from the squad's training sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has offered no explanation related to injury or fitness, leaving fans and pundits to speculate about the underlying cause. Ronaldo's role in the national team has become a recurring topic of debate in recent seasons.
After enjoying two decades as an automatic starter and amassing a record 146 goals in 234 caps, his place on the squad has been questioned at key moments. Former manager Fernando Santos famously left him out of the starting line‑up for Portugal's 2022 World Cup knockout games against Switzerland and Morocco.
When Roberto Martínez took over, he reinstated Ronaldo, selecting him for every match 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 play his final match for Argentina against Benin next week, there is no indication that Ronaldo intends to retire from international football anytime soon.
In a recent interview, he hinted that he might hang up his club boots at the end of the 2026‑27 season but stressed that he still believes he can contribute to Portugal's ambitions. "I'm a thinker. You have to think," Ronaldo said when asked about retirement after this year's 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 will stop when I feel I am no longer adding value." During the Wales match, Ronaldo recorded seven attempts without finding the net before being substituted in the 65th minute for Gonçalo Ramos.
Jesus defended the decision, noting the need for fresh legs to press the Welsh centre‑backs and provide speed in the defensive line. Three days later, against Norway, Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire game. "Whether we like it or not, Cris isn't like João Neves, who is 20 and can play every three days," Jesus explained, emphasizing the physical demands on a veteran striker.
Initially, Jesus had indicated that Ronaldo would be involved in the Norway fixture, albeit not as a starter. However, when the final whistle blew in Oslo, Ronaldo walked straight from the bench down the tunnel, bypassing the customary team acknowledgment of the Portuguese supporters.
After the match, Jesus admitted that the timing was not right for Ronaldo to enter the game, and the evolving state of play prompted a change of plans. Anonymous sources speaking to The Athletic revealed that Ronaldo was visibly frustrated by the lack of playing time. This marked only the third occasion he has been an unused substitute for Portugal, the previous instances occurring during a Euro 2008 group match (when qualification was already secured) 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 national coach, Jesus spent a season at Al Nassr, where he worked directly with Ronaldo and secured the Saudi Pro League title. The 72‑year‑old manager has said that his decision to move to Saudi Arabia was largely influenced by Ronaldo's invitation and his willingness to coach the star forward. Nevertheless, Portuguese sports daily Record described the current situation as an "internal earthquake," reflecting the tension within the squad. On Tuesday, Ronaldo posted a photo of himself in national‑team training gear, accompanied by a heart emoji and the Portuguese flag, perhaps signaling a desire to mend fences.
The following day, another leading newspaper, A Bola, ran a front‑page headline reading "situacao de crise" (crisis situation). B24 also reported an "emergency" meeting involving Ronaldo, Jesus, and FPF president Pedro Proença. According to the federation, the gathering was not a formal meeting but a direct conversation between the coach and the captain, aimed at clearing the air and reaffirming their shared respect. Publicly, Jesus has reiterated Ronaldo's importance to the national side, stating that the forward remains a vital figure for Portugal regardless of whether he is on the pitch.
At the start of the international break, Ronaldo acknowledged that some segments of Portuguese media and fans have expressed a desire to see him phased out. "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 statistical legacy is unmatched: 234 caps, 146 goals, participation in twelve major tournaments, a Euro 2016 championship, and Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2024.
His iconic status in Portugal is unquestionable, yet the debate over his future involvement continues to dominate headlines. As the squad heads to Denmark, the outcome of the private discussion between Ronaldo and Jesus could shape the next phase of Portugal's campaign. Whether the veteran striker will return to the starting eleven or adopt a more limited, mentorship‑focused role remains to be seen, but the stakes are high for a nation that still views him as a symbol of footballing excellence. This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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