Football

As the twilight of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career trudges on, the 41-year-old superstar remains vital to his national team — but maybe not as vital as he would like to be at his age.

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Having already played his final FIFA World Cup, according to the man himself, many expected him to retire from international duty at the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. Yet he still remains steadfast, continuing to perform for Portugal as the UEFA Nations League begins.

After criticisms of his place within the Portugal national team grew louder during the World Cup, many wondered whether he would become more of a rotation player under new coach Jorge Jesus. And as that came to pass, Ronaldo himself has clearly not taken kindly to the change in role.

The Sporting News explains why Ronaldo is reportedly furious with Jesus and what it could mean for the future of his national team career.

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Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Jorge Jesus beef, explained

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly furious after being left as an unused substitute against Norway on Sunday, September 27.

The 41-year-old superstar was seen angrily storming down the tunnel by himself immediate at the full-time whistle, instead of joining his teammates on the field to celebrate the 2-1 victory.

Now, as Portugal get ready for their next match Denmark on Thursday, Ronaldo has found himself embroiled in a feud with head coach Jorge Jesus over his place in the national team. He reportedly did not train with the rest of the squad on Wednesday, instead meeting with Jesus 30 minutes before training and then returning to the team hotel.

Ronaldo has always been staunchly defensive of his position within the Portugal national team, feeling as though he is a regular everyday starter no matter his club form or the coach in charge. Thus, he will not have taken well to any suggestion that he should sit, whether it be because the coach is rotating the squad or he has lost his place.

Following the Norway match, Jesus told the media he was not aware of Ronaldo’s post-game reaction. «I didn’t realize [that he was sulking],» the Portugal coach said in his post-match presser. «Only he [Ronaldo] can answer that. What’s certain is that just because he didn’t come on doesn’t mean I’m not counting on him. In fact, before the match, I told him, ‘I’m not going to start you, but I’m going to bring you on as a substitute.’ That’s football: it dictates things that, in this specific case, didn’t justify changing strikers.»

Despite that tact, multiple reports in Portugal have claimed there is a developing rift between Ronaldo and the head coach, even given their previous relationship working together at Al Nassr.

Portuguese federation chief intervenes in Ronaldo-Jesus feud

When Ronaldo departed the pitch before Portugal training, it caused chaos amongst the Portugal media contingent that was on hand to watch the first few minutes.

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According to the federation, Malmo — the Swedish club whose training facilities the national team was using ahead of the game just over the border in Copenhagen — did not have the proper equipment for Ronaldo to complete his individual training.

However, multiple reports in the Portuguese press, passed on through English media like The Guardian, claim that the president of the Portuguese federation, Pedro Proenca, has been forced to alter his schedule at the last moment in order to help resolve the situation. Instead of traveling to the Azores for an important U-21 match before heading to Copenhagen the day of the match, he instead will travel straight to Copenhagen to help resolve the situation.

Could Jorge Jesus be fired as coach?

It’s certainly feasible that Jorge Jesus could be fired as coach of the Portugal national team if this situation is not resolved.

Cristiano Ronaldo holds immense power within the federation. Even as criticism of his recent performances mount, he is still a massively beloved figure within the country itself.

If Jesus, who was only just hired a short time ago and does not possess nearly the leverage that an established superstar like Ronaldo does, cannot effectively bridge the gap, it’s plausible that the federation would side with its iconic legend than the current head coach.

However, it would take a significant gulf in position for that to occur, and does not yet seem like that will come to pass.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo play next game vs. Denmark?

It would have been reasonable to assume that Cristiano Ronaldo would see the field in some capacity against Denmark, either starting or coming off the bench.

Portugal were well beaten on the run of play with Goncalo Ramos up front against Norway, escaping with a 2-1 victory but losing the expected goals battle 2.52-1.04 and being nearly doubled up on shots 22-12. Changing back to Ronaldo, who started the deserved victory over Wales in the Nations League opener, would be a reasonable course of action for Jorge Jesus.

However, with the rift now requiring the president of the federation to resolve, it’s entirely reasonable to think that there is a real chance Ronaldo does not play against Denmark, either because he is banished by the coach, or he refuses to participate.

This feud will likely take multiple twists and turns over the course of the next 24 hours until kickoff.

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