Portugal Nations League: Jorge Jesus plans Cristiano Ronaldo recall

Portugal became the first nation to qualify for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals after beating Norway 2-1 in Porto on Sunday. The result completed a perfect international break for Jorge Jesus, whose team has won all four of its matches in the competition. The qualification has given the Seleção a strong sporting platform, but the debate around Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the national conversation.

Ronaldo was absent from the victory after leaving Portugal’s training camp on Wednesday following a dispute with Jesus. The 41-year-old forward had been left on the bench in the previous match and was sent to warm up for around 20 minutes without being introduced. That decision became the immediate source of tension between the captain and the new coach, with Ronaldo’s departure adding an unexpected crisis to an otherwise successful break.

Jesus addressed the issue after the win over Norway and again left the door open to Ronaldo’s return. “Everything is open. Cris has to decide about his life. It does not depend on me,” the coach said. He described the dispute as a misunderstanding that could be resolved easily and added that he was not sad about the situation because the decision belonged to the player.

The coach’s position has now become more concrete. Jesus intends to include Ronaldo in Portugal’s next squad for the November fixtures against Denmark on 14 November and Wales on 17 November. Ronaldo has already been informed of that intention. He will then decide whether he wants to return to the national team for those matches, as speculation about a possible international retirement continues without a public response from the player.

Jesus has also made clear that selecting Ronaldo would not represent a retreat from his authority. Asked whether he planned to apologise for the incident, he replied: “Apologise for what? What would be the reason for me to apologise?” He accepted responsibility for the decision to use the player as a substitute and for what followed, but rejected the idea that the decision itself required an apology.

The coach was equally direct when discussing his control over the squad. “I am the coach, I call up whoever I want,” Jesus said. He added that he does not seek anyone’s approval over the players he selects or those who play, and that some matters within the role are not negotiable. Those comments show that the planned recall is not being presented as a concession over the substitution dispute.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading goalscorer and most-capped player, as well as a five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Jesus still considers him a full member of the national team and believes he can contribute, even if he is no longer guaranteed a starting place. The coach also wants Ronaldo, rather than the manager, to decide when his international career ends, allowing the forward to determine the timing of any farewell.

The next squad announcement will therefore carry significance beyond the two November fixtures. Portugal’s four wins have already secured its place in the Nations League quarter-finals, while the performances of Vitinha, João Félix and the wider squad have satisfied observers during Jesus’ first break in charge. The return of Ronaldo would test how that progress accommodates an iconic player whose status has changed, but whose place in the national-team structure remains open.

Portugal now has roughly a month before facing Denmark, followed three days later by Wales. Jesus has stated that Ronaldo will be considered for both matches, while Ronaldo must decide whether to accept the invitation. The competition has moved forward smoothly on the pitch, but the next stage of Portugal’s campaign will begin with the focus on whether its record scorer and most-capped player is back in the squad.