Ronaldo Can Return, but Jesus Must Choose Who Starts

• Jesus says Ronaldo can return for Portugal’s next international window.
• Ronaldo left camp after sitting out the away victory over Norway.
• Portugal have qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals without him.

Jorge Jesus remains willing to recall Cristiano Ronaldo, provided the forward wants to return and continues playing for Al-Nassr. Crucially, the Portugal manager still values his contribution whether he plays or not. That sounds sensible, but the distinction needs to mean something when the next team sheet appears.

For readers assessing Portugal on football betting sites, the important question is how Ronaldo would fit into the side. His inclusion in the squad should not automatically settle who leads the attack.

Ronaldo Faces a Decision Before November

The 41-year-old remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s away victory over Norway before leaving camp on 30 September. Ronalodo announced his departure on Instagram after speaking with the Portuguese federation president, promising to explain his reasons later.

Jesus has since described the situation as a misunderstanding and said he holds no resentment. He remains prepared to speak with Ronaldo before November’s international fixtures, leaving the forward to decide whether he wants to rejoin the squad.

For me, those discussions need to establish what Ronaldo will accept when he does not start. Disappointment is understandable, particularly for a striker who expects to influence every match. It cannot determine the manager’s selection, though, and another call-up would make little sense without clarity on that point.

Portugal’s Results Strengthen Jesus’s Position

Portugal responded to Ronaldo’s departure by winning at home against Norway 4-2. They have collected all 12 available points and secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Those results give Jesus good reason to trust the players who delivered them. They do not prove Portugal will always perform better without Ronaldo, but they certainly weaken any argument that he must start regardless of the opposition.

Ronaldo’s 146 goals in 234 international appearances deserve enormous respect. Even so, that record cannot decide the best attacking combination for the next fixture.

A substitute can make a decisive contribution against tiring defenders without playing the opening hour. Ronaldo should not have to view that role as an insult, nor should Jesus promise minutes simply to avoid another disagreement. A return needs agreement over role of Ronlado, with the manager retaining the freedom to choose the side.

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