Ronaldo won’t return to Portugal under Jesus — Reports

Abdullateef Fowewe

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly decided against rejoining the Portugal national team for as long as Jorge Jesus serves as head coach, according to Portuguese media.

CNN Portugal commentator Rui Santos stated that the 41-year-old forward is outraged by Jesus’ handling of recent events and has lost trust in the manager following their fallout.

Sources indicate Ronaldo “has stopped believing and stopped trusting” the coach.

The claim emerges days after Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal’s training camp during the UEFA Nations League international window.

He was an unused substitute in a win over Norway and learned he would not start against Denmark, prompting him to depart after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

Ronaldo posted on Instagram that he would explain his reasons “in due course.”

Jorge Jesus was appointed Portugal coach in July 2026 on a long-term deal following the team’s World Cup exit under Roberto Martínez.

The 72-year-old previously managed Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, where the pair won the Saudi Pro League title.

Portugal continued without Ronaldo and secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with further victories.

Jesus has left the door open for a return, saying the decision rests with Ronaldo and describing their earlier relationship positively.

Federation officials have called the episode a “misunderstanding” that can be resolved internally, emphasizing Ronaldo’s status as a national icon with record caps and goals for Portugal.

Ronaldo has not issued a direct public confirmation of a permanent boycott.

The next international window is scheduled for November.