Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup was thought to be the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career.
Published July 10, 2026
Portugal have appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team manager, but he insists he will continue to call up veteran superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if available, insisting there is “never” a problem with the forward.
Ronaldo, who said he played in his last World Cup, has not decided whether he will continue playing for the national team after Spain eliminated former coach Roberto Martinez’s Portugal in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
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“As long as he is playing and in condition to be selected, within certain limits and under conditions that I think are best for the national team, I will select him,” Jesus told reporters during Friday’s presentation.
The 71-year-old journeyman coach said he had not yet spoken to Ronaldo but would discuss the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star’s future in the game.
“I haven’t talked to Chris yet…Chris is never a problem for the national team, neither for the national team nor for me,” Jesus explained.
“Chris is a symbol of Portuguese football. Chris is a symbol of the national team… it will remain in history forever.
“It’s been a pleasure working with him this past year…He’s easy to work with.
“We’re both going to talk about what he wants to do in his future career.”
Jesus coached five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo at Al Nasr, leading the club to the Saudi Professional League title before stepping down in May.
“I know that[Ronaldo]wants to continue playing at Al Nasr, because you know, I spent a year with him,” Jesus added.
“He always told me, ‘I’m going to finish my career at Al Nasr.’
Jesus will lead Portugal until the end of the 2030 World Cup, which will be held alongside Spain and Morocco.
