Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal national team in November, with coach Jorge Jesus saying the door remains open if the 41-year-old wants to come back and continues performing for Al Nassr.
The comments come just days after Ronaldo abruptly left Portugal’s training camp following a dispute over his role in the team. But with Portugal now through to the Nations League quarter-finals after a 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday, October 4, the situation has taken a different turn.
Jorge Jesus Puts the Decision on Ronaldo
Jesus said Ronaldo would be eligible for the next call-up if he is playing for Al Nassr and wants to return. The Portugal coach also rejected suggestions that the relationship between them had been permanently damaged.
Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr, which could make their relationship particularly important if the forward decides to return. He said the disagreement was a misunderstanding that could be resolved.
Portugal’s next Nations League matches are against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17, giving Ronaldo a possible route back into the squad.
Portugal Has Already Shown It Can Win Without Ronaldo
The biggest change since Ronaldo’s departure is what Portugal have done on the pitch.
Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 and then beat Norway 2-1 on Sunday without Ronaldo, maintaining a perfect four-win record in their Nations League group. The victory over Norway also secured Portugal’s place in the quarter-finals.
Gonçalo Ramos has taken advantage of Ronaldo’s absence, scoring in both matches after Ronaldo left the camp. That gives Jesus another option to consider when November arrives.
This means Ronaldo’s potential return is no longer simply about filling a missing position. Jesus now has evidence that Portugal can function without its biggest star.
Ronaldo’s Return Could Create a New Test
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s greatest goalscorer and most-capped player, and federation president Pedro Proença has described him as the country’s greatest-ever player. Proença has also stressed the strength of their relationship.
But the latest developments suggest that any return will have to fit around the team’s current situation.
Ronaldo left after being told he would not start against Denmark, following his unused-substitute appearance against Norway. He has not publicly announced an international retirement, and Jesus has now made clear that November remains an option.
The next question is therefore not simply whether Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Portugal. It is whether he returns ready to compete within a Portugal team that has already found a way to win without him.
