Jorge Jesus has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s decision to retire from international football, acknowledging his influence on Portuguese football while accepting that the national team must now move forward without him.
The Portugal coach’s reaction comes after a difficult period in their relationship, which became public during the October international break and saw Ronaldo accuse Jesus of breaking an agreement over his involvement with the national team.
Despite that disagreement, Jesus has made clear that his admiration for the 41-year-old remains intact, describing him as a global icon and an example for the next generation of Portuguese footballers.
“Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team,” Jesus said.
The coach also revealed the extent to which he wanted Ronaldo’s influence to remain visible within the national-team setup, even beyond his contributions on the pitch.
“I had a huge photo of him put up in our auditorium so that all the young players could look up to him every single day,” he added.
Jesus admitted that he had hoped Ronaldo would continue representing Portugal, explaining that the veteran forward’s presence was important to his plans.
“I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side,” he said.
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However, with Ronaldo now bringing his 23-year international career to an end, Jesus acknowledged that the decision was one he had to respect.
“But I have to accept his decision,” the coach said.
He concluded by underlining Ronaldo’s lasting place in the country’s football history and the affection he commands among supporters.
“He will always have a place in the hearts of the Portuguese people.
“He will always be an icon of Portuguese football.”
From disagreement to a farewell tribute
Ronaldo’s retirement announcement marks the end of a chapter that had appeared uncertain even before his latest international departure.
The forward had previously revealed that he initially planned to retire from Portugal after the 2026 World Cup, having already prepared a farewell letter to the Portuguese people.
However, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença persuaded him to reconsider, and Ronaldo subsequently backed Jesus as the right choice to lead the national team.
The relationship between the pair later deteriorated over arrangements for Ronaldo’s involvement during the October international camp.
Ronaldo said Jesus had initially promised him a specific playing time plan, including appearances in the opening and final matches, with his workload managed through substitutions.
He also revealed that he rejected an offer to remain in Portugal while the squad travelled to Norway and Denmark because he believed it would set the wrong example for a captain.
The disagreement intensified when Jesus asked him to prepare for a possible 30-minute appearance against Norway, only for Ronaldo to warm up without eventually being introduced.
“The coach had broken his word,” Ronaldo said at the time.
The forward subsequently left the Portugal camp early after remaining an unused substitute in the following game. He was fined €255 and handed a backdated 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation.
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In a lengthy statement explaining his departure, Ronaldo apologised to his teammates but made clear that he had no intention of retiring from international football at that point.
His announcement on November 5, however, brought that uncertainty to an end.
After 23 years representing Portugal, Ronaldo has decided to give the national team’s famous number seven shirt to the next generation, describing his international journey as a privilege and responsibility he carried with pride.
Jesus’s latest comments now offer a closing reflection on a relationship that experienced a public breakdown but leaves no doubt about the coach’s appreciation of Ronaldo’s contribution.
The former Al Nassr coach may have hoped to continue working with him, but Portugal will now have to begin its next chapter without the player who became the face of its national team for more than two decades.
