Ronaldo retires from Portugal duty as Jesus pays tribute after bitter falling-out

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from international football, ending a storied Portugal career that concluded in acrimony following a public falling-out with head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old made the announcement in an emotional video on social media on Thursday, with his final appearance for the national side coming in September’s 1-0 UEFA Nations League win over Wales.

The rift with Jesus had been building since that match. Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s subsequent game against Norway, sparking a major row in which he claimed the coach had promised him at least 30 minutes of action before failing to bring him on despite asking him to warm up. The dispute escalated further when Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking an agreement to explain the decision publicly — a claim the coach denied, insisting team selection was solely his responsibility.

Ronaldo subsequently refused to train and left Portugal’s camp before their match against Denmark. Questions over his international future had already surfaced following Portugal’s World Cup exit in the summer, though Jesus had persuaded him to remain involved at that point.

Following the retirement announcement, Jesus responded with warm words for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Cris is a global icon — for Portugal and the national team,” the coach said. “He has given so much to the national team over the years. He is a role model for young Portuguese people. I had the opportunity to spend a year with him at Al Nassr.”

Jesus added that he had personally asked Ronaldo to stay on before the dispute came to a head. “I asked him to stay on with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision. He will always be in the hearts of the Portuguese people and part of the national team. There’s no changing that. He will always be an icon of Portuguese football.”

Last month, Jesus had already signalled that the decision rested entirely with Ronaldo. “Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants,” he said. “In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing, I need you.’ And now I’m saying the same thing.”

Portugal return to Nations League action later this month, facing Denmark and Wales during the international break. Ronaldo, meanwhile, will be absent from Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League trip to Uzbekistan due to security concerns.