Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the national team, saying the decision will ultimately depend on the veteran forward.
Jesus made the remarks after Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday, October 4, 2026, amid uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s international future.
The Al-Nassr forward had left Portugal’s training camp earlier in the international break following tensions over his role in the team. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway before leaving the squad.
Jesus keeps door open
Speaking after the latest victory, Jesus said there was no guarantee about what would happen next but stressed that Ronaldo’s return remained possible.
“I don’t know what will happen. For me, everything is open. Cris has to decide what he wants to do with his own life,” Jesus said.
He added that Ronaldo could be considered for the next squad if he remained active at club level and wanted to continue representing Portugal.
“If Cris is playing and wants to be in the national team, why not?” the coach said.
‘Misunderstanding’ over Ronaldo
Jesus also played down the tensions that had emerged between him and Ronaldo, describing the situation as a misunderstanding that could be resolved.
“Resentment? Nothing, it was a misunderstanding. In my opinion, it is easy to resolve,” he said.
Ronaldo left the national team camp after a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and had said he would explain his reasons for departing at a later time.
The latest comments from Jesus could ease uncertainty over Ronaldo’s future with Portugal, with the coach making it clear that he has not closed the door on the captain.
Ronaldo, who has previously indicated that he intends to continue playing for Portugal, remains one of the team’s most prominent figures. He has also spoken of his ambition to reach 1,000 career goals before ending his playing career.
