New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has answered one of the biggest questions hanging over his appointment, insisting Cristiano Ronaldo is very much in his plans for the national team.
Jesus supports his Al-Nassr star
After being appointed, Jesus spoke to the media and made his position clear on the future of Portugal’s captain.
“As long as he is playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will select him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider better for the national team,” TNT Sports reported
New Portugal manager Jorge Jesus has confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo remains part of his plans for the national team 🇵🇹⚽ pic.twitter.com/vQykQPzlNu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 13, 2026
The 71-year-old, who managed Ronaldo during a successful spell at Al-Nassr where the pair won the Saudi Pro League, has been appointed on a four-year contract through to the 2030 World Cup, a tournament Portugal will co-host with Spain and Morocco.
A Tough Exit World Cup exit
Jesus is brought in after Portugal’s disappointing 1-0 exit to Spain in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, a result that saw Roberto Martinez step down after more than three years at the helm.
Ronaldo said this was his last World Cup but did not announce a full international retirement as he exited a record sixth World Cup.
Jesus will make his competitive debut as Portugal boss in September when the team play Wales in the UEFA Nations League. Whether Ronaldo is prominent in that new chapter now seems far less in doubt.
