How Portugal Are Thriving and Unleashing Their True Potential Without Cristiano Ronaldo

"I can promise whatever I want, I'm the coach," Portugal boss Jorge Jesus said defiantly at yet another press conference dominated by questions surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo. "No player will ever make decisions for me."

Ronaldo, 41, was left on the bench during Portugal's 2–1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, sparking a predictable uproar. Portuguese media went so far as to describe the fallout as "an earthquake."

Jesus faced a barrage of questions about why the five-time Ballon d'Or recipient didn't see the pitch in an international match for which he was available for the first time since 2008, and whether he might feature in the upcoming fixture against Denmark.

"I don't know what's going to happen in the game. If we need him to play, he'll play. If not, he won't," the Portugal boss repeated. "The same rules apply to everyone."

Such a commitment to equal treatment proved too much for Ronaldo to accept, and he promptly withdrew from the national team camp, posting a statement on Instagram cryptically vowing to "tell all Portuguese people the truth" at some point in the future.

Reports indicate he may have already played his final match for Portugal.

Ronaldo Circus Remains Unwanted Distraction

The "truth," when it eventually surfaces (likely in a Piers Morgan interview), is unlikely to align with what everyone else can plainly see: Portugal must move forward without Ronaldo.

It is now nearly four years since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Fernando Santos had the courage to bench a then 37-year-old Ronaldo ahead of the round-of-16 match against Switzerland.

Gonçalo Ramos stepped in and delivered a hat trick in a commanding 6–1 victory—comfortably Portugal's finest tournament showing since their Euro 2016 title.

That World Cup felt like a defining turning point; a passing of the torch. Ronaldo, who managed just a single penalty goal at that tournament, was undeniably a fading force. His abilities, like those of all mortals, were gradually diminishing with age.

He could have retired then as one of the all-time greats, or even embraced a reduced role as a squad player and dressing room elder statesman. As everyone knows, he chose neither path.

Ronaldo at the Last Four Major Tournaments

Instead, we have endured four more years of The Ronaldo Show, as Instagram's most-followed individual rages against the fading of his prime like a Silicon Valley billionaire chasing immortality—flexing his abs and refusing to step aside.

Santos departed in 2022, and Ronaldo's celebrity status has meant that nobody in authority has been able to deny him since. As a result, fans have been treated to embarrassing spectacles such as the forward triumphantly shouting "I'm back" directly into the camera after netting against Uzbekistan.

Admittedly, there have been moments in recent years. Ronaldo has continued to break records and even claimed a Nations League trophy. Yet none of it has appeared to serve the team—only an unrelenting personal vanity project.

The manager is correct that equality and meritocracy must take precedence, and the reality is that Ronaldo, regardless of his name and legacy, no longer warrants a starting spot in Portugal's best XI.

Portugal's New Identity

Jesus's rationale for keeping Ronaldo out of the Norway match was entirely justified.

Ronaldo had been ineffective across 67 minutes against Wales just days prior, failing to find the net despite attempting a match-high seven shots.

Portugal were leading 2–1 in the second half away at Norway—one of the eight strongest sides at the last World Cup—and needed to hold firm. It should be obvious to most that a tense away fixture in which the visitors held just 38% possession would not have been improved by introducing a player in his fifth decade who hasn't pressed effectively since before the rise of generative AI.

The fixation on Ronaldo also ignores the form of Ramos, who may never win five Ballon d'Or awards or become a globally recognized household name, but is Portugal's most effective striker right now. The AC Milan forward scored what proved to be the decisive goal and is building an impressive partnership with the in-form João Félix, who has truly flourished during this international break.

Portugal's World Cup campaign was underwhelming, but the foundations are firmly in place for Jesus as he embarks on a new chapter.

Bruno Fernandes, João Neves, and Vitinha form as formidable a midfield trio as you will find anywhere in world football, while elite-level talent is spread throughout the squad, from Rúben Dias to Nuno Mendes, Diogo Costa, and Bernardo Silva.

Despite the earthquake, Portugal will thrive in the post-Ronaldo era. It has to. Press conferences need fresh talking points, supporters need new heroes, and the team needs new focal points.

Jesus's bold decision may have forced this difficult but necessary break—yet it was long overdue.