Portugal have officially appointed Jorge Jesus as their new head coach, with the experienced manager making it clear that Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to be part of his plans if the veteran forward is available and performing well.
Speaking during his first press conference on Friday, Jesus said Ronaldo would never be a problem for the national team and confirmed that he intends to discuss the 41-year-old’s international future personally.
Jorge Jesus Supports Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment after a Round of 16 defeat to Spain, leading to the departure of former coach Roberto Martinez.
Ronaldo faced criticism for his performances during the tournament and later indicated that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be the final World Cup appearance of his career. However, the Portuguese star has not yet announced whether he will continue representing the national team.
Jorge Jesus believes Ronaldo still deserves consideration.
“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 new Portugal coach stressed that every selection decision will be based on what benefits the team while acknowledging Ronaldo’s legendary status in Portuguese football.
“Cristiano Ronaldo Will Never Be a Problem”
Jesus revealed that he has not yet spoken to Ronaldo since accepting the national team job. However, he confirmed that the two will soon meet to discuss the striker’s future.
The veteran coach dismissed suggestions that managing a player of Ronaldo’s stature could become difficult.
“I haven’t spoken with Cris yet. Cris is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.”
He also praised Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football.
“Cris is a symbol of Portuguese football. Cris is a symbol of the national team. That will forever be in the history books.”
Previous Working Relationship Could Help
Jorge Jesus already shares a strong professional relationship with Ronaldo after coaching him at Al-Nassr during the previous season.
Under Jesus, Al-Nassr won the Saudi Pro League title before the coach departed in May.
Reflecting on their time together, Jesus described Ronaldo as a dedicated professional who was easy to work with.
“I had great pleasure working with him this past year. It’s easy to work with him.”
The Portugal coach also revealed that Ronaldo had previously spoken about where he hopes to finish his club career.
“He always told me, ‘I’m going to end my career at Al-Nassr.'”
Portugal Looking Ahead to 2030
The Portuguese Football Federation has handed Jorge Jesus a long-term project, with his contract running until after the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Portugal will co-host the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Morocco, making the competition one of the biggest milestones of Jesus’ tenure.
In the coming months, one of his biggest decisions will be whether Cristiano Ronaldo continues leading Portugal on the international stage or chooses to bring his remarkable national team career to an end.
For now, Jesus has made his position clear: if Ronaldo remains fit, motivated and deserving of selection, the door to the Portugal squad will remain open.