Ronaldo Can Return to Portugal Squad If He Wants, Says Jesus

How the Dispute Unfolded

Ronaldo walked out of the national team camp on Wednesday after a dispute over his selection by Jesus, leaving his international future in doubt. Portugal's leading goalscorer and most-capped player was substituted in the Nations League opener against Wales on September 24 and was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory in Norway on September 27.

When he was informed he would again be named on the bench for the match against Denmark, Ronaldo took a private flight back to Saudi Arabia. Portugal went on to win 4-2 in Denmark on Thursday.

Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, has said this will "probably" be his final year in football. The forward has been a fixture of the national team for more than two decades and has played at six World Cups.

Teammate Calls for Unity

Ronaldo's international teammate Bruno Fernandes spoke to the media on Saturday in an attempt to settle the growing controversy in Portugal.

"He has a reserved place not only among the best of all time, but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people, and the most important thing is that we stop dividing things," Fernandes said. "There are no divisions in the national team. It is one and will remain so, despite any noise that may come from outside."

Jesus, the 72-year-old coach who replaced Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup, said he had told Ronaldo he needed him in the squad for his first games at the helm. "Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants; he's the one who will decide how he wants it," Jesus said.

What Happens Next

Portugal host Denmark in their next international on November 14 before completing their Nations League group in Wales on November 17. Jesus said he would speak with Ronaldo if the player wished before those matches.

Ronaldo's longtime rival Lionel Messi is set to play his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.