Jorge Jesus stated that Portugal’s attention is entirely directed toward the upcoming match against Norway, postponing any discussions regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit until afterward. Ronaldo’s illustrious international career could be reaching its end after he abruptly left the Portugal camp this week, reportedly due to tensions with new head coach Jesus.
Having previously worked with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, Jesus chose to bench the 41-year-old during last week’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway. Following this, Ronaldo trained separately from the team and departed just before Portugal’s 4-2 win over Denmark, where Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Joao Felix were all on the scoresheet. Ronaldo later stated on social media that he would eventually share the full story of his unexpected exit, while Jesus opted to keep details vague, emphasizing that he wouldn’t let any player dictate his coaching decisions.
As Portugal prepares for its first home match since Ronaldo’s departure, a victory over Norway could almost secure their qualification for the quarter-finals next March. Jesus made it clear that the team’s focus must remain on this match, acknowledging Ronaldo’s significance to the squad but insisting that any discussion on the matter would wait until after the game.
When questioned about the possibility of Ronaldo returning in an ambassadorial capacity ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which Portugal will co-host along with Spain and Morocco, Jesus emphasized the importance of concentrating on the present. He described Norway as a top-tier team with exceptional players, insisting that his focus remained solely on the upcoming challenge. Moreover, he mentioned his desire for the team’s success rather than seeking personal recognition, asserting that the affection from fans should be directed towards the team as a whole.
Since early 2025, Portugal has achieved an impressive 80% win rate in matches without Ronaldo, compared to 59% when he has featured, and they score nearly twice as many goals per game without him.
Editorial Opinion: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the evolving dynamics within the Portuguese national team and raises questions about Ronaldo’s future in international soccer. The potential shift could impact team performance and strategies moving forward, making it a pivotal moment for fans and stakeholders in the sport.
Source: www.soccernews.com
