New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has pledged to keep selecting Cristiano Ronaldo for the national team, describing the 41-year-old as a “symbol of Portuguese football”. Jesus, 71, worked alongside Ronaldo during his one-year stint as Al Nassr head coach, the pair combining to win the Saudi Pro League title last season.
Speaking on Friday, Jesus was unequivocal about the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s international future. “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,” he said. Ronaldo’s contract at Al Nassr runs until 2027.
Jesus also moved to quash any suggestion of friction between himself and the Portugal captain. “I haven’t spoken with him yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me. I had great pleasure working with him this past year — easy to work with him.”
Jesus takes charge for the first time when Portugal face Wales in their Nations League Group D opener on 24 September. Portugal are co-hosting the World Cup in four years alongside Spain and Morocco.
The 71-year-old brings a decorated CV to the role. He won three league titles across two separate spells at Benfica — in 2010, 2014 and 2015 — before heading to Brazil, where he won five major trophies with Flamengo including the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores in 2019. Most recently, he claimed a domestic treble with Saudi club Al Hilal in the 2023-24 season.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
