Substituted at 68', Ronaldo sees Jorge Jesus confirm his physical limitations against Wales

Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted at the 68th minute by Jorge Jesus during Portugal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Wales in the Nations League on Thursday evening. The manager publicly owned his decision by highlighting the physical limitations of his 41-year-old captain.

Ronaldo had created chances to score. Early in the second half, perfectly set up by João Neves, he sent his effort over the Welsh goal when the net seemed wide open (49’). Ten minutes later, he thought he had found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled out for offside by VAR (59’). Frustrated by his lack of success, he eventually gave way to Gonçalo Ramos.

Jorge Jesus made no attempt to spare his player when explaining the substitution: “There were 25 minutes left and I was thinking of bringing on a quick player in the front defensive line, capable of pressing the two centre-backs. ‘Cris’ couldn’t do it anymore and I knew that offensively, he couldn’t do much more.” A rare display of candour from a manager towards his star.

This early substitution and the blunt words from the 72-year-old coach risk reigniting tensions surrounding Ronaldo’s status in the national team. While part of the Portuguese public remains attached to the legend, a growing faction of critics believes his presence is hindering the emergence of a more dynamic generation. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who accuses certain media outlets of wanting to “kill” him in the press, has still not reached the symbolic milestone of 1,000 career goals.

His teammate João Neves nevertheless defended him after the match: “He was excellent and the goals will come.” Ronaldo will need to quickly prove his supporters right to silence the sceptics.