Ronaldo still has a future in Portugal if he wants to, says new coach Jesus | World Cup 2026 news

Portugal’s exit from the 2026 World Cup was believed to be the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career.

Portugal have appointed Jorge Jesus as their new national team coach, and have said they will continue to call up veteran Cristiano Ronaldo if available, insisting the player “will not be a problem”.

Ronaldo, who said he appeared in his last World Cup, has yet to decide whether he will continue playing for the national team after Spain eliminated Portugal, under former manager Roberto Martinez, in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

“As long as he is playing and in a position to be selected, I will select him, according to certain limits and according to what I think is the best for the national team,” Jesus told reporters on Friday in his speech.

The 71-year-old coach said he has not spoken to Ronaldo but will discuss the future of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player in the game.

“I have not spoken to Cris yet … Cris will not be a problem for the national team, not the national team, or me,” Jesus explained.

“Cris is the symbol of Portuguese football. Cris is the symbol of this national team… this will go down in the history books.

“I really enjoyed working with him this past year … (he’s) easy to work with.

“We will discuss between the two of them what he wants to do and 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.

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

“They always tell me, ‘I’m going to finish my job at Al-Nassr.’

Jesus will lead Portugal to the 2030 World Cup, which the country is participating in alongside Spain and Morocco.