Jorge Jesus: Ronaldo will be called up if he wants to play for Portugal
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus said he will call Cristiano Ronaldo for the next international break if the forward decides to return to the national team. Jesus made the comment to reporters after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, October 5, 2026. He added that the decision rests entirely with Ronaldo, stating, "It's his decision. I am ready to call him if he will play with Al Nassr."
Ronaldo had stormed out of camp earlier last week after Jesus left him on the bench for the full 90 minutes of a 2-1 loss to Croatia. Since then, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has taken over the captain’s armband, and Al Nassr winger Rafael Leão has been wearing the number‑7 shirt.
For Nigerian fans who follow Ronaldo’s club and international career, this update clarifies whether they can expect to see him in Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures. It also highlights the shifting leadership within the squad as Fernandes assumes the armband role.
Will you watch Portugal’s next matches hoping to see Ronaldo back in the lineup, or do you think the team is better off with Fernandes leading the charge?