Jorge Jesus leaves Ronaldo's Portugal future uncertain

Jorge Jesus has placed Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future in doubt after a decision that triggered a dramatic break between Portugal’s new coach and its record scorer. Appointed only three months ago to replace Roberto Martinez, Jesus left Ronaldo out of the starting team against Norway and then insisted that team rules applied equally to every player. Ronaldo subsequently left the national-team camp, leaving his international career uncertain.

Portugal beat Norway 2-1 before defeating Denmark 4-2 in the Nations League, giving Jesus a third consecutive victory. The coach described the performance in Denmark as being of a high standard and said it mattered more than the dispute surrounding Ronaldo. Gonçalo Ramos, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, contributed an assist and a goal as Portugal continued without its biggest name.

Jesus, 71, is a Lisbon native who began working life in a cable factory and ended a modest playing career in 1989 before moving into coaching. He later managed Braga, Sporting CP and Benfica, winning Benfica’s 32nd league title in 2010. He also guided the club to domestic doubles and a treble before coaching abroad in Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

His authority now faces its biggest test with Portugal. Ronaldo, who has 234 caps and 146 goals, has won the 2016 European Championship and two Nations League titles. Jesus had previously worked with him at Al-Nassr, and Ronaldo had called his appointment the right choice before the relationship rapidly deteriorated.