Jorge Jesus warns Ronaldo: performance first, not name

Jorge Jesus laid down his conditions at his first press conference as Portugal manager on Friday: Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, will receive no preferential treatment. “If he is not performing, if he needs to be replaced, he will be. The name has no importance,” said the 71-year-old coach.

Portugal suffered a painful Round of 16 elimination at the 2026 World Cup against Spain. Roberto Martinez’s departure paved the way for Jorge Jesus, who knows CR7 well having managed him for one season at Al-Nassr. This proximity did not soften his message. To illustrate his philosophy, he cited a precedent without ambiguity: “To Neymar, one day, I told him: you’re done. What I judge to be best for the national team, I will do.”

The manager nevertheless sought to clarify his comments on the attacker’s physical condition. “I don’t judge him on his age. He worked with me for a year. He was never injured, he ran eight kilometres per match, which is excellent for a striker. His statistics proved to me that I could count on him.” A recognition of Ronaldo’s athletic abilities, but coupled with a clear caveat: when Jesus felt he should not play, he did not even put him on the bench.

On the question of direct contact with the player, Jesus was precise: “I haven’t spoken to him yet. When the time comes, I will discuss with ‘Cris’ and with all the players individually. I won’t speak to him simply because his name is Cristiano. He is an icon of Portuguese football, that will remain etched in history forever.” The tribute to the legend is genuine, but it does not change the selection criteria.

Following the elimination against Spain, Ronaldo indicated that this World Cup was his last, without announcing the end of his international career. The question of his presence in the next Seleção cycle therefore remains open — and Jorge Jesus has just made clear that he will be the sole arbiter.