Cristiano Ronaldo’s strained relationship with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has taken a fresh turn after the country’s football federation reportedly included the veteran forward in its provisional squad for two upcoming UEFA Nations League matches.
The development raises the possibility of Ronaldo returning to international duty next month, weeks after his departure from Portugal’s training camp triggered widespread debate over his future with the national team.
According to a report published by GOAL on October 27, a spokesperson for the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed to AFP that the 41-year-old captain had been named in the provisional squad. The final selection is expected to be announced on November 6.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark in Braga on November 14 before travelling to play Wales three days later. Ronaldo’s inclusion on the provisional list does not, however, guarantee that he will make the final squad or feature in either match.
How the Dispute Started.
The disagreement reportedly began after Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway. The forward said he had agreed with Jesus to manage his workload during the international window but claimed the coach later indicated that he might be needed for around 30 minutes.
Ronaldo said he warmed up during the match but was never introduced. He subsequently accused Jesus of breaking his word and said a further disagreement arose over how the coach addressed their discussions during a press conference ahead of the Denmark fixture.
Jesus, however, denied that he had made the agreement in the way Ronaldo described. The coach maintained that he had the final say over substitutions and explained that the course of a match could change his plans. He also acknowledged that asking Ronaldo to warm up for an extended period without bringing him on had been a mistake.
The disagreement escalated when Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of the match against Denmark. His departure raised questions about whether the country’s record goalscorer would continue representing the national team.
Ronaldo Suspended After Camp Departure.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently handed Ronaldo a 30-day suspension over his departure from the camp and imposed a €255 fine, according to Reuters’ report on the disciplinary decision.
The suspension was backdated to the date of the incident, meaning it is not expected to prevent him from playing in the November international window.
Ronaldo later issued a public apology to Portuguese supporters and his teammates for his conduct. He accepted that his actions warranted punishment but reiterated his willingness to represent his country after serving any sanction, provided he remained fit and in good form at club level.
Portugal Continue Winning Without Their Captain.
Despite the controversy, Portugal have continued to perform well without Ronaldo in their recent Nations League matches. The team won its first four games in the group, including victories recorded in his absence, and secured qualification for the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2027.
Those results could give Jesus greater freedom to decide when and how to use the veteran forward, whose status as captain and record goalscorer has long made his role a central issue in Portuguese football.
Ronaldo, who turns 42 in February 2027, is also approaching the latter stages of his playing career. His potential return would therefore be significant for both Portugal’s immediate campaign and the broader question of how the country manages the final chapter of his international career.
Final Squad Decision Still to Come.
For now, Ronaldo’s provisional inclusion signals that a return remains possible, but it does not mean his dispute with Jesus has been fully resolved.
The final squad announcement on November 6 should provide a clearer indication of whether the captain is ready to rejoin the team and whether the coaching staff considers the matter sufficiently settled.
The key question is no longer simply whether Ronaldo remains available for Portugal, but whether he and Jesus can rebuild their working relationship while preserving the coach’s authority and the captain’s place in the team.
