Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Portugal squad as early as November, with Jorge Jesus publicly opening the door to his captain just days after their dispute ended with Ronaldo leaving the national team camp.
According to A Bola, Jesus wants Ronaldo back for Portugal's next international window and the 41-year-old is already aware of the coach's intentions. Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark in Braga on November 14 before playing Wales three days later, meaning Ronaldo's absence from the national team could ultimately last only one international break.
Speaking after Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway, Jesus made it clear that he does not consider their relationship beyond repair. The coach described what happened between them as a "misunderstanding" and effectively left the next move to Ronaldo.
"For me, the situation is still open. Cris has to decide what he wants to do with his life. There was a misunderstanding between us, and for me, this situation would be easy to resolve."
Jesus went on to say that if Ronaldo wants to continue with Portugal, the door remains open. It represents a significant change in the atmosphere surrounding the national team after several chaotic days in which it appeared possible that Ronaldo had played his final match for his country.
Ronaldo has not retired from Portugal
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp in Copenhagen following his fallout with Jesus, which began after he remained an unused substitute against Norway despite warming up during the match. The situation escalated following the coach's subsequent public comments, with Ronaldo eventually announcing that he had decided to leave after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
The captain did not announce his international retirement. Instead, he said that he would tell Portuguese supporters "the truth" about the reasons behind his departure in due course, leaving his future with the national team deliberately unresolved.
That distinction now looks increasingly important. A Bola reports that Jesus is already considering Ronaldo for November, while the coach has also agreed to participate in a proposed reconciliation meeting organised by the federation. Ronaldo's participation in that meeting has not yet been publicly confirmed.
Portugal's players are ready to welcome Ronaldo back
There also appears to be little resistance to Ronaldo's return inside the dressing room. After the Norway match, Nuno Mendes was asked what would happen if the captain came back and responded that the players would be there to welcome him "with open arms".
Bruno Fernandes has delivered a similar message in recent days. He revealed that he had personally spoken with Ronaldo after the walkout, described him as the greatest symbol of Portuguese football and rejected suggestions that the dispute had created divisions within the squad.
Portugal have meanwhile continued winning without Ronaldo, beating Denmark 4-2 before defeating Norway 2-1. That means Jesus is not being forced into a reconciliation by a sudden collapse in results; instead, his latest comments suggest that he still sees a sporting future for Ronaldo in his team.
Ronaldo has now returned to Saudi Arabia and has not publicly responded to Jesus' offer. For the moment, that leaves the situation remarkably simple: less than a week after Cristiano walked out on Portugal, his coach wants him back — and the final decision appears to belong to Ronaldo.
Published by Patrick Jane
04.10.2026