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A reported rift with Jorge Jesus could keep Cristiano Ronaldo away from international football, with the Portugal legend said to have ruled out a return under the current coach.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after failing to score during the Nations League match against Wales (Picture credit: AP)
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly uninterested in returning to the national team till Jorge Jesus is at the helm, as the duo’s feud is now out in the open, with a chance of a quick solution to the issue unlikely.
At the start of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign, Ronaldo decided to step away from the Portugal national team after a dispute with Jesus, according to reports. He has now made a final decision on whether he will return to the national team.
After Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Matchday 4, Jesus said that he would be open to Ronaldo returning to the national team but stressed that the final decision rests with the footballer.
Ronaldo now appears to have made a decision about his international future. As per CNN Portugal commentator Rui Santos, the forward has decided not to return to the national team as long as Jesus remains head coach.
The Portuguese Football Federation now faces a tough situation. Ronaldo remains one of the biggest legends in the national team’s history, while Portugal have also enjoyed strong results and momentum under Jesus.
The federation also faces a significant financial impact without Ronaldo in the team. It now faces a tough choice: prioritise commercial revenue by keeping Ronaldo involved in the final years of his career or protect the team’s sporting progress under Jesus’ leadership.
Although a reconciliation between Ronaldo and the manager remains possible, repairing their relationship could prove tough. If the reports are accurate, even a ceremonial farewell appearance for Ronaldo could be ruled out.
The dispute started last week when Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench during Portugal’s first victory over Norway. Ronaldo then walked out on the team on Wednesday after learning he wouldn’t start against Denmark.
“For me, Cris, in the next call-up, if he is playing at Al-Nassr, he will be a player who can be called up. If he wants to, he will return to the national team,” Jesus said.
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Ask News18Cristiano Ronaldo decided to step away from the national team following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus during the UEFA Nations League campaign.
Ask News18October 06, 2026, 11:50 IST
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