New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus confirms Ronaldo will remain central to his four-year plan

Jorge Jesus has moved swiftly to settle any uncertainty around Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future, stating the 41-year-old will continue to be selected for Portugal as long as he is fit and performing. The 71-year-old coach, who has signed a four-year contract to guide the nation through to the 2030 World Cup, made his position clear in his first media briefing as national team manager.

“As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” Jesus said. He went further, describing Ronaldo as a “symbol of Portuguese football” whose influence inside the dressing room remains significant.

Jesus also moved to dismiss any suggestion that managing such a high-profile player could create tension. “I haven’t spoken with him yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me,” he added. “I had great pleasure working with him this past year — it’s easy to work with him.”

That working relationship was forged at Al-Nassr, where Jesus and Ronaldo combined to win the Saudi Pro League title before Jesus was handed the Portugal job. The shared experience of club success gives the new coach a head start in managing one of football’s most scrutinised figures.

Jesus takes charge following the departure of Roberto Martínez, whose tenure ended after Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup. Martínez was candid about his reasons for leaving: “I came to Portugal to win the World Cup, and I think that, without winning it, there’s no point in continuing.”

The new manager arrives with an extensive trophy cabinet. He won three league titles with Benfica and claimed a domestic treble during his time at Al-Hilal, making him one of the most decorated coaches in the Portuguese-speaking football world.

His immediate attention turns to the UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales in September, but the broader ambition is clear: deliver success at the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco. The central question of his tenure will be how he balances Ronaldo’s continued involvement with the emergence of Portugal’s next generation of talent — a challenge he appears ready to embrace rather than sidestep.