Ronaldo didn’t retire because of me, says Jesus
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has insisted Cristiano Ronaldo did not retire because of him, saying he feels no guilt over the forward’s exit from international football. Jesus spoke at a news conference on Friday, November 6, a day after the announcement.
Asked about his role, Jesus was blunt. “No, maybe I rushed things, but not because of me,” he said.
“It was in his head, more call-ups, fewer call-ups.” Jesus added that the pair had talked about the matter on several occasions.
Ronaldo gave no warning. “I found out when we all did,” Jesus said of the Instagram announcement on Thursday, which came a day before the coach was due to name his squad for the November Nations League games.
Jesus had expected Ronaldo to be involved, with the in-form Al-Nassr forward available again after serving his 30-day ban.
“I thought he would return,” he said. “I certainly intended to call him up.” Jesus has not contacted Ronaldo since the announcement.
The row dates back to September, when Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after being told he would not start against Denmark. He had also been an unused substitute against Norway. He later said Jesus had “broken his word”, but accepted he deserved punishment.
Jesus grew visibly annoyed when journalists pressed him on the dispute. “All my decisions were made with the team in mind,” he said. Jesus, who took over in July after Portugal’s last-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, added: “I respect his decision.”
Jesus coached Ronaldo for a year at Al-Nassr, where the forward won his first Saudi Pro League title last season. “Cris is a global icon, a Portuguese icon, and an icon of the national team,” he said of his former striker.
Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca also paid tribute. “No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal,” he said. “Thank you for everything, captain. This is and always will be your home.”
Ronaldo’s final appearance was a 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon on September 24, taking him to 146 goals in 234 games, both men’s world records. He debuted in 2003 and captained Portugal to Euro 2016 and the Nations League titles of 2019 and 2025.
Portugal, who have already reached the Nations League quarter-finals, host Denmark in Braga on Saturday, November 14, and travel to Cardiff to face Wales on Tuesday, November 17. Both are group-stage games, and Portugal will play without Ronaldo for the first time since his retirement.
Jesus has handed maiden call-ups to Monza striker Gustavo Varela, Serie A’s leading scorer, and Porto right-back Alberto Costa. Nuno Mendes and Francisco Conceicao miss out through injury, while Rodrigo Mora, yet to make his debut, returns to the squad.