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Newly appointed Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus remained guarded when asked about Cristiano Ronaldo's international future, though he made clear the 41-year-old would "never be a problem" for the Portuguese national side.
Portugal moved swiftly to appoint a new manager following their disappointing round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martínez, whose deal ran out after the team's elimination, was replaced by Jesus in a rapid transition just days after Spain's late winner sent Ronaldo off the world stage in tears in what appeared to be his final World Cup appearance.
Jesus was hardly caught off guard when questions about the five-time Ballon d'Or winner came his way. The pair had previously worked together at Al Nassr, a stint that culminated in the club's first Saudi Pro League championship in seven years.
Six World Cups. Six attempts. But it wasn't meant to be for Cristiano Ronaldo. pic.twitter.com/VExoaWuSRr
"I haven't spoken to Cris yet," Jesus admitted amid growing debate over whether Ronaldo remains the right man to lead Portugal's attack. "He will never be a problem for the national team or for me. As for the controversy, everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
"When the moment comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else on an individual basis. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will be remembered forever. It has been a tremendous pleasure working with him. He is incredibly easy to manage.
"I need to have a conversation with him to understand what he wants to do. He has always told me he wants to end his career at Al Nassr. If he is in a position to be selected, I will call him up."
The Ronaldo Debate Rages After World Cup Woes
Ever since Ronaldo entered the latter stages of his career, questions have persisted over whether he still merits a starting berth for the national side. Those doubts faded after the forward guided Portugal to the 2025 UEFA Nations League crown, but resurfaced following a below-par campaign in North America this summer.
Ronaldo managed just two goals across Portugal's three group stage fixtures, both coming against Uzbekistan. He then converted a penalty — his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal — in the team's tense victory over Croatia in the round of 32, before going quiet against Spain.
Gonçalo Ramos, by contrast, featured for only seven minutes during the group stage. The forward came on for Ronaldo against Croatia and netted the decisive goal, yet was kept on the bench for the entire round of 16 clash.
It was no secret that Martínez stood firmly in Ronaldo's corner until the very end, even when it came at the team's expense. Jesus, now entrusted with steering the national side, must determine whether he follows a similar path to his predecessor or establishes a new culture — one that could see Ronaldo assume a diminished role as he edges closer to retirement.
Jesus Leans Toward a Different Approach
Despite Jesus's reluctance to outline his plans for Ronaldo going forward, the coach couldn't resist lavishing praise on the Real Madrid icon, perhaps unintentionally signaling where he stands on the matter.
"Look at Cris," he said. "Under me, he used to cover 8 kilometers per match, reaching speeds above 25 km per hour. He played when I felt it was necessary. There were times I didn't even include him in the squad."
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"Still on the subject of Cris, he featured in 31 of 50 games last season. I substituted him 16 times and there were never any issues. I have a significant advantage here because 12 of the players called up for the World Cup have already worked under me."
Jesus understands what it takes to manage Ronaldo and draw the best from the 41-year-old, even if that means not fielding him for every minute of every game, as Martínez routinely did. His comments should offer reassurance to Portugal supporters; the manager holds the legendary forward in high regard and knows how to maximize his contributions, but is equally willing to take a different path if it serves Portugal's best interests.