Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus and Pedro Proenca
18 October 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Portugal’s national team remains uncertain as head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly refuses to change the conditions that contributed to their recent disagreement. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca is attempting to arrange talks between the two before November’s international fixtures.
The dispute began when Ronaldo remained on the bench against Norway in September and subsequently left the national-team camp after learning he would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo later apologised and cited disagreements over assurances concerning playing time and public communication. Reporting attributed to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah says Jesus wants Ronaldo back but insists on maintaining his conditions. No meeting or reconciliation has been confirmed.