Jorge Jesus named the 41‑year‑old in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign, but the coach signals a different chapter may begin. Will his minutes shrink?
After Portugal’s last‑16 loss to Spain at the 2026 World Cup, the veteran left the field in tears. He already announced that tournament would be his final World Cup, and his recent claim that “this is probably my last year of football” fuels further speculation.
Retirement can wait. Ronaldo will feature in Nations League matches versus Wales, Norway and Denmark, extending a career that started in August 2003.
The Al‑Nassr striker remains Portugal’s record scorer and most‑capped player with 146 goals in 233 outings. Euro 2016 stands as his crowning achievement, while a World Cup title still eludes him.
Jesus knows the 41‑year‑old well, having coached him at Al‑Nassr from July 2025 to mid‑2026 and guiding the club to the 2025‑26 Saudi Pro League crown before succeeding Roberto Martinez as national boss.
Jorge Jesus draws a clear line for Ronaldo
In my view, Jesus is refusing any special treatment for the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner. “His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count. His performances will determine the decisions I make in training and in matches,” he declared.
The coach admitted Ronaldo occupies a unique spot in football, yet insisted reputation won’t dictate on‑field choices. “He has a different status and has won five Ballon d’Or awards, but does that influence my decisions? No. But is he a different player? Absolutely.”
Jesus made it crystal clear: “Cristiano is a player like all the others. If he is performing well, he will play. If he isn’t, he won’t.”
Five Ballon d’Or awards won’t guarantee a place in the XI; only consistent form will. Expect his role to hinge on upcoming performances, perhaps seeing him as a super‑sub rather than a starter.
Thirteen squad members have previously worked with Jesus, proving familiarity won’t sway selections. He emphasized that training and match form carry the greatest weight.
Head coach Jorge Jesus interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
The remarks serve as a stark reality check for Ronaldo. Being chosen at 41 shows he remains in Jesus’s plans, but earning a starting berth will demand the same standards as everyone else.
Portugal’s attack is crowded with Rafael Leão, Gonçalo Ramos, Fábio Silva and João Félix, all vying for minutes as the new boss evaluates options.