’His decision alone’- New Portugal boss Jorge Jesus leaves Ronaldo’s international future in star’s own hands

Jorge Jesus has made his first major statement as Portugal’s new head coach, placing the fate of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career firmly in the hands of the 41-year-old superstar himself.

Speaking at his official unveiling at the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) headquarters in Lisbon on Friday, the 71-year-old manager insisted that the decision to retire from the national team belongs solely to Ronaldo – and that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will “never” be a problem for the squad.

“Ronaldo is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me,” Jesus told reporters. “When the time comes to make a decision, I will speak with Cris and with everyone else individually. Cris is a symbol of Portugal. He will go down in history”.

A Reunion Built on Success

Jesus, appointed on a four-year contract that will take him through to the 2030 World Cup – which Portugal will co-host alongside Spain and Morocco – already shares a strong bond with his captain. The pair worked together during Jesus’s one-year spell as Al Nassr head coach, where they lifted the Saudi Pro League title together last season. Under Jesus’s guidance, Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 appearances.

“I had great pleasure working with him this past year – it’s easy to work with him,” Jesus said. “As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team”.

Age Is Just a Number

Jesus, who himself is 71, dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo’s age alone should determine his international future.

“I’m 71, but I feel 50 because I’m healthy. I train every day, an hour or two,” Jesus said. “Age doesn’t matter. Look at Cris. Under me, he used to cover eight kilometres per match, reaching speeds above 25 km/h”.

The coach also revealed that Ronaldo has consistently expressed his desire to finish his playing career at Al Nassr. “He always told me, ‘I’m going to end my career at Al Nassr,'” Jesus added.

What Ronaldo Has Said

Ronaldo, who holds the men’s record for all-time international appearances (226) and goals (143), confirmed after Portugal’s Round of 16 defeat to Spain that the 2026 World Cup would be his last appearance at the tournament. However, he stopped short of announcing a full retirement from international football, leaving the door open for a continued run with the national side.

Asked about retirement during the World Cup, Ronaldo himself made his position clear: “I will retire when I want, not when you want”.

A New Era Begins

Jesus, who succeeds Spaniard Roberto Martinez after Portugal’s 1-0 World Cup exit, has nearly four decades of coaching experience. He has managed Benfica, Sporting CP, Flamengo, Fenerbahce and Al Hilal, winning three Portuguese league titles during his first spell at Benfica, five major trophies with Flamengo in 2019 – including the Copa Libertadores – and a domestic treble with Al Hilal in the 2023-24 season.

Jesus’s first game in charge will be Portugal’s Nations League opening Group D match against Wales on 24 September.

For now, however, the football world waits – as does Portugal – for one man to decide his own future.

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Reporting based on statements from Jorge Jesus’s official presentation and interviews with Portuguese and international media outlets.