It has been one of the most chaotic weeks in recent memory, as Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp aboard his private jet following a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus, just hours after an emergency meeting was held in Denmark ahead of Portugal's game. The story kicked off over the summer when Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese Football Federation announced Jorge Jesus as the new head coach of the national team, following the resignation of former manager Roberto Martinez.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced he had played his last World Cup match after the defeat against Spain, said it was "not the right time" to make a decision on his future in the national team. The Portuguese star, who turned 41 earlier this year, previously worked under Jesus last season at Al-Nassr, winning his first Pro Saudi League title since he joined in 2023. When asked about the role of Cristiano Ronaldo in the national team when he was unveiled, Jorge Jesus seemed to have a clear idea from day one.
"He will never be a problem, either for the Selecao or for me. I had the pleasure of working with him for a year. When I thought he should play, he played.
When I thought he shouldn't play, he didn't. I'll do what I think is best for the Selecao." However, since then, things have changed a lot. Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the roster selected by Jorge Jesus for the four opening matches of the UEFA Nations League against Norway, Wales and Denmark.
Both Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo speak ahead of the debut against Wales in the pre-match press conference in Lisbon. Ronaldo explained he met with both the manager and the head of the federation Pedro Proenca after the World Cup. "They said they are counting on me for the coming matches.
I feel I can help with my performances and my goals, not because of my CV. The day I feel the coach and the president don't count on me, I'll be the first to pack my bags and leave." Cristiano Ronaldo is part of the starting eleven against Wales at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, the stadium where he made his professional debut with Sporting CP. He had a chance to score, but his goal was ruled out by VAR.
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