Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus has indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo remains welcome to rejoin the squad if he chooses to do so, following recent tensions that led to the veteran forward walking out of the team. Ronaldo, 41, left Portugal’s training camp last week after being an unused substitute in a Nations League match against Norway and learning he would not start in the subsequent game against Denmark.

Jesus, who took over the managerial role after the 2026 World Cup, said on Sunday that Ronaldo’s return would be possible “if he wants to” and that discussions could take place before the next call-up scheduled for November. “Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants. He’s the one who will decide how he wants it,” Jesus told reporters following Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, which secured the team’s place in the Nations League quarterfinals.

The coach emphasized that Ronaldo had been an important figure for the team, stating, “In my first call-up, I said, ‘I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing.’” Jesus reiterated this position despite the recent disagreements within the squad. Ronaldo currently plays for the Saudi club Al-Nassr, where Jesus also serves as head coach, and continues to be regarded as a key player by the management contingent.

Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca also weighed in, describing the incident as a misunderstanding that should be resolved internally. He affirmed Ronaldo’s ongoing importance to the national team, saying, “He is in the national team on sporting merit, and that must be unquestionable. We have to pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, having amassed 146 goals in 234 international appearances since his debut in 2003. The forward has indicated that 2026 will “probably” be his final year in professional football, capping off a career that includes six World Cup tournaments.

Portugal has maintained a strong performance in the current Nations League campaign, winning both of its opening matches—4-2 against Denmark and 2-1 against Norway—without Ronaldo on the field. The team became the first to qualify for the quarterfinal stage with two group games remaining.

Ronaldo’s situation draws occasional comparisons to other football legends nearing the end of their international careers; notably, Argentina’s Lionel Messi is expected to play his final match for his country in a friendly against Benin this week. Meanwhile, Portugal appears prepared to move forward, with the door left open for Ronaldo should he decide to return.