Jorge Jesus Speaks on Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Future After World Cup Exit

New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo still has a future with the national team if he wants one, despite the veteran forward confirming that the 2026 FIFA World Cup was his final appearance at the tournament.

Ronaldo’s international future has been the subject of intense speculation since Portugal’s Round of 16 defeat to Spain, but Jesus says the decision will ultimately rest with the 41-year-old.

Jorge Jesus: Cristiano Ronaldo “will never be a problem”

Speaking at his unveiling as Portugal manager, Jesus made it clear that Ronaldo will continue to be considered for selection as long as he remains fit and willing to represent his country.

“As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team.”

The 71-year-old also dismissed any suggestion that managing Ronaldo would be difficult.

“Cristiano is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.”

Jesus yet to discuss Ronaldo’s future

Jesus revealed that he has not yet spoken to Ronaldo since replacing Roberto Martínez but plans to hold a private conversation with the Portugal captain about his international future.

> “We’re going to have a conversation between the two of us about what he wants to do with the future of his career.”

The pair worked together at Al-Nassr last season, with Jesus leading the Saudi Pro League club before departing in May.

Cristiano Ronaldo expected to continue at Al-Nassr

While Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup was his last, he has not announced his retirement from international football.

Jesus believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner still intends to continue playing at club level.

“He always told me, ‘I’m going to end my career at Al-Nassr.'”

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer and recently stated that, whether he continues playing or not, he will always have an important role within the national team.

Jesus has signed a contract to lead Portugal through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Portugal, Spain and Morocco will co-host.