Elma Aveiro has cast serious doubt on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal future, saying it is “more likely a no than a yes”.
The comments, came at a book launch in Lisbon on Wednesday.
On whether the pair could patch things up, Aveiro was pessimistic.
“When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal,” she said, adding that both Ronaldo and Jesus are hurt, though she could only speak for her brother.
A divide has opened among Portuguese supporters over the row, which has played out publicly for weeks.
Aveiro said she was sad that many seemed to forget what he had achieved, adding: “He is one of the people who least deserve this.”
Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, also weighed in: “He could have left through the front door and instead he left through the back door.” The forward, 41, quit Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen before the Nations League match against Denmark.
The row began after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, in which Ronaldo stayed on the bench. It was the first time in 18 years that he had not played a minute for his country despite being in the squad.
The disagreement centred on Ronaldo’s understanding that he would play the final 30 minutes against Norway. Instead, Jesus asked him to warm up but did not bring him on, reportedly saying he “didn’t need Cristiano”. He felt the coach had broken his word.
Ahead of the Denmark game, Ronaldo is believed to have agreed an eight-point statement for Jesus to deliver at his press conference, meant to counter claims he was demanding playing time. Jesus reportedly strayed from the wording, prompting Ronaldo to leave camp.
Ronaldo later published a 1,996-word statement on Instagram accusing Jesus of twice breaking his word, while apologising to teammates and fans and accepting responsibility for leaving was his alone. He stressed he remains available for Portugal if called up.
The Portuguese Football Federation has opened disciplinary proceedings under a decision dated October 9, examining events reported on October 7, and imposed a provisional suspension. The case was labelled urgent and reached investigators on October 10, though proceedings stay confidential until the inquiry ends.
A suspension can last between one and six months, and a fine is likely. The process could rule Ronaldo out of the November international window. Federation president Pedro Proenca has called the affair a misunderstanding that could still be resolved.
Portugal’s next games come in November, when they complete their Nations League A group. The defending champions host Denmark on November 14 before travelling to face Wales on November 17, the earliest dates Ronaldo could return, with Norway also in the group.
Ronaldo, who debuted for Portugal in August 2003, is the nation’s all-time top scorer with 146 goals in 243 appearances. He captained them to Euro 2016 glory, and Portugal lost 1-0 to eventual winners Spain in the World Cup round of 16 this summer.
Back at club level, Ronaldo scored in Al-Nassr’s 3-1 win over Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League on Monday, October 12. He has not announced any international retirement, having dismissed claims from another sibling that he would step away after the World Cup.