Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play for Portugal Again?

The saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's international future has taken another turn, with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus leaving the door open for the 41-year-old star to return after he abruptly left the national team camp.

Echoing that view, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca described the episode as a misunderstanding that can be resolved internally.

So where did the conflict begin, and will Ronaldo play for Portugal again?

What happened between Ronaldo and Jesus?

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday evening, shortly after the head coach's press conference, where Jesus confirmed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner would not start against Denmark — his second consecutive absence in the Nations League.

Ronaldo's decision to leave came as a surprise, as he had been expected to train with his teammates at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.

Portugal's all-time leading scorer sat out the entire 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on September 27, having worn the captain's armband in a 1-0 victory over Wales three days earlier.

The match in Oslo was the first time since November 2024 that Ronaldo had not played for Portugal despite being neither injured nor suspended.

What has Ronaldo said?

Ronaldo appeared to suggest that Jesus' reasons for benching him ran deeper, and hinted at leaving the national team he has served for more than two decades.

"At the right time, I will tell the whole Portuguese people the truth about why I left the national team, where I have always given everything," Ronaldo wrote in a cryptic Instagram post announcing his sudden departure from camp.

Spain's Marca reported that Jesus and Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport in an attempt to persuade him to stay with the squad, before the player boarded a private plane.

It has been reported that Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro even discussed the matter concerning Ronaldo with the coach on Wednesday.

Jesus insisted there was no rift between the two, though the 72-year-old coach, appointed in July, acknowledged that his captain was frustrated at being benched against Norway.

How has Portugal performed without Ronaldo?

Despite his absence, defending Nations League champions Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen and Norway 2-1 in Porto. They also became the first team to secure a quarter-final place, guaranteeing a top-two finish in Group A4.

Striker Goncalo Ramos shone in Ronaldo's place, scoring three goals to join Joao Felix at the top of the team's scoring charts, while the AC Milan player also provided an assist.

What has Portugal's coach said about Ronaldo?

On Sunday, coach Jesus said Ronaldo could return to the national team if he wants to.

"If he wants to, he will return to the national team. We can talk before the next squad, but Cris is the one who decides," said Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr.

"He is the one who should decide how to end his time with the national team. In the first squad, I said: 'I need you, I need you close to me, playing or not playing, I need you.' And now I'm saying the same thing."

Jesus expects the striker to be available for the next international window if he wants to come back.

What have Portugal's players said about Ronaldo?

Midfielder Bruno Fernandes said on Saturday that he had spoken with Ronaldo and dismissed any speculation of a rift within the squad.

"I spoke with him and what I said I will repeat here: the most important thing is that, whatever happens, Cristiano Ronaldo will never stop being the greatest icon of the national team, of our football and of our country," Fernandes told reporters.

"Because of what he has achieved not only in Portugal but around the world. He has a place not only among the legends but also in the hearts of all Portuguese people."

"The most important thing is that we stop stirring things up; there is no division in the national team. It is one team and it will continue to be, despite the noise from outside."

Fernandes called for unity after days of turmoil in which Portuguese fans were divided over Ronaldo's decision.

"We stand outside this controversy, but what I hope is that the country is not divided, does not take sides, respects all sides, but at the same time Cris is and will be the biggest icon of the national team. He deserves everyone's respect, whether people love him more or less," Fernandes added.

When did Ronaldo last play for Portugal and how did he perform?

Ronaldo has played only once for Portugal in this year's Nations League, featuring for 67 minutes in the 1-0 home win over Wales.

It was a frustrating night for the Al-Nassr striker, who missed several chances. He had a goal ruled out and blazed a comfortable close-range volley over the bar.

Around the 60th minute, Ronaldo put the ball in the Wales net but was denied by an offside call, leaving him visibly incredulous.

He was still shaking his head when Jesus substituted him seven minutes later.

Will he play for Portugal again?

The answer remains open.

Ronaldo, who made his Portugal debut in 2003 at the age of 18, has said this year is "perhaps" the final one of his career. The striker has been with the national team for more than two decades and has played at six World Cups.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward is Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 international appearances.

He reached the 2006 World Cup semi-finals and captained Portugal to the Euro 2016 title. Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the round of 16 at this year's World Cup.

When is Portugal's next match?

Portugal have completed their four Nations League matches in this extended window.

Their upcoming fixtures come in the next international window: at home to Norway on November 14 and away to Wales three days later.

Those matches will close out Portugal's Nations League group stage, a competition they have won twice.