New coach Jesus says Ronaldo will ‘never’ be a problem for Portugal

Portugal appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national coach on Friday and he said he would continue to call on experienced superstar Cristiano Ronaldo if he was available. He emphasized that the attacker would “never” be a problem.

The 41-year-old striker was criticized for his World Cup performances this summer under predecessor Roberto Martinez, when Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.

Ronaldo, who said he appeared at his last World Cup, has not yet decided whether he will continue playing for the national team.

“As long as he plays and is in a good condition to be selected, I will choose him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” Jesus told reporters during his presentation on Friday.

The 71-year-old journeyman coach said he had not yet spoken to Ronaldo but they would discuss the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star’s future in the match.

«I haven’t spoken to Cris. Cris will never be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, and not for me,» Jesus explained.

READ ALSO: In Messi’s resistance, a generation sees its heroes growing old

«Cris (Ronaldo) is a symbol of Portuguese football. Cris is a symbol of the national team… which will forever be in the history books.

“I’ve enjoyed working with him over the past year… (it’s) easy to work with him…

“The two of us are going to talk about what he wants to do with the future of his career.”

Jesus coached five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo at Al-Nassr before leaving in May after leading the club to the Saudi Pro League title.

“I know Ronaldo wants to continue playing at Al-Nassr because, as you know, I spent a year with him,” Jesus added.

“He always said to me: ‘I’m going to end my career at Al-Nassr’.”

Jesus will lead Portugal until after the 2030 World Cup, which the country is co-hosting with Spain and Morocco.

Published on July 10, 2026