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Champions LeagueOctober 6, 2026

Portugal coach opens door for Ronaldo return

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the Portuguese national team remains possible, according to coach Jorge Jesus, after he left the Nations League camp after sitting on the bench.

Portugal coach opens door for Ronaldo return

Portugal coach opens door for Ronaldo return

According to Sports.

Background

Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al-Nassr, has had an impressive career with the Portuguese national team. His return could not only strengthen the offensive, but also give younger players such as Goncalo Ramos, Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes valuable experience.

Why this is important

The possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the Portuguese national team could have a significant impact on the team, especially given the upcoming challenges in the Nations League. Ronaldo, who holds a world record with 146 goals in 234 international matches, not only brings experience but also unparalleled leadership skills. Jorge Jesus, who coached Ronaldo both at Al-Nassr and in the national team, emphasizes the importance of his presence in the team.

Key findings

  • Portugal coach opens door for Ronaldo return.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the Portuguese national team is still possible, according to coach Jorge Jesus, after he left the Nations League camp after sitting on the bench.
  • Portugal boss says door open for Ronaldo return - Yahoo Sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the Portuguese national team if he wants, says coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old captain left the national team camp after a game in the Nations League in which he did not play against Norway and also learned that he would not be in the starting line-up in the next game against Denmark either. The Al-Nassr striker has scored 146 goals in 234 international matches, which is a world record. Following his departure from the camp, Ronaldo commented on social media: "In due course I will tell the Portuguese public the truth about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been loyal." Jorge Jesus had always stressed that he wanted to discuss the matter after his team's last of four Nations League games against Norway on Sunday. A 2-1 win secured the defending champions a place in the quarter-finals. Jesus, who also coached Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, said: "If he wants, he will return to the national team. We can talk about it before the next call-up, but Cris is the one who will decide. Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants; he is the one who decides how he wants it. With my first call-up, I said: 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, whether you play or not, I need you.' And now I say the same thing." Image Portugal host Denmark for their next Nations League group game on November 14 before visiting Wales three days later. Ronaldo played in the opening encounter, scoring in a 1-0 win over Wales, but was benched in Norway and was told he may or may not come on. He was reportedly upset when he was sent on to warm up during the second half but was not substituted. This was the first time that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player was not used in a competitive game since 2008. When Jesus announced in a press conference that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark either, the experienced player left the camp. AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos has scored in all three games in which Ronaldo was not in the team. After the win against Norway, which put Portugal six points clear of Denmark in the table, top scorer Joao Cancelo said: "Cristiano is our captain, the best player Portugal has ever had. Things will certainly end in the best way [with him], but the most important thing is the four wins." Teammate Nuno Mendes added: "Any player who comes to the national team is welcome, of course. When Cris comes back we will be here to welcome him with open arms." Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time with five Ballon d'Or awards, has already helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations Leagues.

What happens next

Ronaldo's decision on whether to return to the national team is expected to be discussed before the next squad. Jorge Jesus has made it clear that the door is open for Ronaldo and it remains to be seen whether the captain will make public his reasons for leaving the camp early. The Portuguese national team, which has already qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League, could benefit enormously from Ronaldo's return.

Frequently asked questions

What did the Portugal coach say about Ronaldo's return?

Coach Jorge Jesus stated that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the Portuguese national team if he wants.

Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave the national team?

Ronaldo left the national team after a game in the Nations League in which he did not play and found out that he would not be in the starting line-up in the next game either.

Who confirmed Ronaldo's return to the national team?

Coach Jorge Jesus has the opportunity Cristiano Ronaldo's return to the national team has been confirmed.

What is being said about Ronaldo's reasons for leaving?

Ronaldo said on social media that he will tell the truth about his reasons for leaving the national team in due course.

What changes could happen for Ronaldo and the national team?

Jorge Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo will decide for himself how and when he wants to end his time in the national team.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did the Portugal coach say about Ronaldo's return?
Coach Jorge Jesus stated that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the Portuguese national team if he wants to.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave the national team?
Ronaldo left the national team after a game in the Nations League in which he did not play and learned that he would not be in the starting line-up in the next game either.
Who confirmed Ronaldo's return to the national team?
Coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo returning to the national team.
What is being said about Ronaldo's reasons for leaving?
Ronaldo expressed on social media that he will tell the truth about his reasons for leaving the national team in due course.
What changes could happen for Ronaldo and the national team?
Jorge Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo will decide for himself how and when he wants to end his time in the national team.
What happened in this story?
Portugal coach opens door for Ronaldo return summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.