Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal’s preliminary squad for November’s Nations League games, opening the door to a return under Jorge Jesus.
Cristiano Ronaldo is in Portugal’s preliminary squad for next month’s Nations League matches, a federation source told AFP. The 41-year-old walked out of the camp on September 30 after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
A Door Opens
A spokesperson for the Portuguese soccer federation confirmed the reports. Portugal (1.39) face Denmark (7.40) in Braga on 14 November and Wales in Cardiff three days later. Jesus will announce his final squad on 6 November. The federation’s disciplinary council handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine last week.
The ban was backdated to the day of the incident, so it expires before the next matches. Ronaldo is therefore free to play by the end of this week. He apologised to supporters earlier in October and said he would accept any punishment.
How The Rift Developed
Ronaldo started against Wales (9.60) but sat as an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway. He spent much of the second half warming up. After that match, he left the pitch looking unhappy and did not join his teammates in thanking the travelling supporters.
After Jesus held a press conference before the Denmark game, Ronaldo left the camp in Copenhagen. He later posted a statement accusing Jesus of breaking his word more than once. He said Jesus had promised him playing time against Norway and had not honoured it.
He also said the coach had not mentioned several agreed points at the press conference. Ronaldo insisted he was not retiring from international duty.
Portugal Cope Without Their Captain
Portugal barely noticed his absence. The reigning champions won all four of their Nations League games, three of them without Ronaldo. They beat Wales 1-0, Norway 2-1 and Denmark 4-2.
They have already qualified for the quarter-finals, which take place in March 2027, with two games to spare. Jesus has said the door stays open for his captain. Federation president Pedro Proenca has also said everyone at the federation wants Ronaldo back once the matter ends.
What Next For Ronaldo And Portugal
Ronaldo is the all-time leading scorer and record appearance-maker in men’s international soccer. He made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18. He turns 42 in February and has said this will “probably” be his final year in the sport.
Whether he and Jesus can repair their relationship remains unclear. The coach must decide whether to name him on 6 November, and then whether to start him. Portugal can afford to wait, because they have already qualified. The final squad will show whether both men have moved on.
