In Porto, where Portugal can tighten its hold on Nations League Group A4 against Norway on Sunday, the national side is trying to bring Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus back into the same room. The Portuguese Football Federation wants the pair to settle their disagreement so that the captain can return to the squad, with Jesus already willing to meet and Ronaldo yet to indicate whether he will accept.
A dispute that followed the Norway match
The tension emerged during Portugal’s Nations League campaign, which began with Ronaldo starting against Wales in Jorge Jesus’s first match as national-team coach. Ronaldo played 67 minutes after receiving warm public praise from Jesus, who called him a national symbol while also stressing that selection decisions would remain with the coaching staff.
The atmosphere changed in the away fixture against Norway. Ronaldo, who had spent a year working under Jesus at Al-Nassr, began among the substitutes as Gonçalo Ramos was selected to lead the line. Jesus had signalled that possibility before the match.
- Ronaldo joined the other substitutes in warming up soon after half-time.
- Jesus had initially intended to use him for roughly 20 to 30 minutes.
- The forward was not introduced as the match developed.
- Gonçalo Ramos scored the goal that delivered Portugal’s victory.
- Ronaldo left the pitch immediately after the final whistle, visibly unhappy.
Jesus later said his only mistake had been sending Ronaldo to warm up so early, explaining that the course of the game had altered his substitution plan. He rejected the idea that there was a rift, but maintained that a player’s standing cannot override the coach’s authority over team choices.
Departure from camp deepens uncertainty
Ronaldo did not take part in Tuesday’s training session, prompting conflicting accounts in Portugal. The president of the Portuguese Football Federation then visited the team base on Wednesday in an effort to calm the situation, meeting both the coach and the player. That discussion was described as constructive.
Yet the issue intensified again after Jesus faced reporters. Although he had intended to limit questions about Ronaldo, Norway and their relationship, he ultimately addressed six questions on the subject and at times showed frustration with the line of questioning.
Shortly afterwards, Ronaldo left Parken Stadium before the training session began. He announced on social media that he was leaving the Portugal camp and would speak about the matter later. His exit came as a surprise because Jesus had said Ronaldo was expected to train with the group.
The 40-year-old has since been in Madrid. He attended the stadium in Copenhagen but did not train, and has made no public remarks beyond his social-media statement during this international window.
Portugal prepare for Norway return in Porto
Jesus has said he will address the matter again after Sunday’s match against Norway, scheduled for 15:45 Brasília time in Porto. Portugal arrive with nine points from three games and a perfect record at the top of Group A4.
The coach had also indicated that Gonçalo Ramos was likely to start once more, leaving Ronaldo’s immediate international future uncertain while the federation seeks a direct conversation between its captain and its manager.
- The federation has asked Ronaldo and Jesus to meet and resolve the dispute.
- Jesus has agreed to the proposed discussion.
- Ronaldo’s response to the invitation remains outstanding.
- Felipe has publicly backed Ronaldo in the disagreement, saying his support lies with the forward rather than Jesus.
