Ronaldo issues ultimatum: return to Portugal only if Jorge Jesus leaves

Cristiano Ronaldo will only return to the Portuguese national team on one condition: that Jorge Jesus is no longer the manager. This is what CNN Portugal reports, following an open crisis between the two men that has shaken Portuguese football.

Everything changed during the Nations League match against Norway on September 27. Jorge Jesus had promised Ronaldo he would bring him on during the game after leaving him on the bench from the start — a promise he did not keep. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner left the gathering immediately, and the situation has not been resolved since.

Portuguese media recall that CR7 had already considered retiring from the Seleção after the 2026 World Cup, before being convinced to continue by his Federation and his manager. The turn of events now gives him additional reasons to make a definitive decision.

Opinions are divided in Portugal. Many believe that Ronaldo’s adventure with the national team has run its course; others judge that the way Jorge Jesus treated his star lacked basic respect for a player of this caliber.

In a press conference this weekend, the manager maintained a firm position while theoretically leaving the door open. “If he plays and wants to be in the squad, he can come back whenever he wants, why not? It’s a misunderstanding and in my view, it will be easy to resolve,” he said. An interpretation of events that the Al-Nassr player’s entourage clearly does not share.

As long as Jorge Jesus remains in his position, a return by Ronaldo in the Portuguese shirt appears highly unlikely.