Main Story: Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said he expected Cristiano Ronaldo to return to the national team and planned to call him up, despite their recent public rift. Ronaldo has retired from international soccer, ending a record-setting career with Portugal. Jesus said he respects the decision and has no hard feelings, insisting his choices were made in the team’s interest.

By the Numbers
  • Ronaldo scored a men’s-record 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal.
  • He played in 6 World Cups and helped Portugal win the 2016 European Championship.
  • He has 985 career goals and is pursuing 1,000.
Yes, But

The split followed a dispute over Ronaldo’s role: after being benched, he left Portugal’s training camp, apologized, and was fined and suspended for 30 days. Jesus says he bears no resentment, but the episode preceded the end of Ronaldo’s international career.

State of Play
  • Ronaldo will continue playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
  • Portugal has qualified for the Nations League quarterfinals, and its federation plans to honor Ronaldo.
What’s Next

Portugal hosts Denmark on Nov. 14 and visits Wales three days later. Ronaldo’s international career is over, but he remains active at the club level.

Bottom Line

Ronaldo’s departure closes a defining chapter for Portugal; the team must now move forward without its most prolific international scorer.