Portugal stand by Ronaldo as FPF expects captain to resolve Jesus dispute

Portugal Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca has backed Cristiano Ronaldo after the forward’s disagreement with national team coach Jorge Jesus, saying he expects the 41-year-old to settle the matter and return to the squad.

Speaking at an FPF event in Funchal, Ronaldo’s birthplace, Proenca described the captain as “the greatest asset Portuguese football has ever produced”. His comments underline the federation’s continued belief in Ronaldo’s importance despite the controversy surrounding his departure from the national team camp.

Ronaldo was provisionally suspended by the FPF after leaving the squad during the recent international break. The incident followed a disagreement with Jesus over the forward’s expected playing time.

Ronaldo had been left on the bench for Portugal’s match against Norway. He reportedly became frustrated after Jesus asked him to prepare to play 30 minutes, but then did not introduce him during the game.

The disagreement carries added significance because Jesus coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr during the previous season, when they worked together in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo later accused the manager of breaking his word over the playing time he had been promised.

Jesus’ decision-making was not the only issue for Ronaldo. In a statement after leaving the camp, the forward said he had been focused on recovering physically and had initially expected to remain among the substitutes because of his training schedule.

He said Jesus later approached him about playing for 30 minutes, which led him to prepare for an appearance. Ronaldo’s frustration, therefore, was based on his belief that an agreement had been reached rather than simply his omission from the starting line-up.

He left the camp before Portugal’s meeting with Denmark, prompting the FPF to begin disciplinary proceedings. The episode attracted widespread attention because Ronaldo is Portugal’s captain and all-time leading goalscorer, and because it raised questions about his immediate international future.

The FPF initially imposed a provisional suspension before confirming a €255 fine and a 30-day suspension. The fine was the maximum permitted under the relevant disciplinary provisions after mitigating circumstances had been considered.

The disciplinary decision said Ronaldo’s admission of responsibility and clean record helped reduce the punishment. The 30-day suspension is not expected to prevent him from playing in Portugal’s November Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales, meaning he could be available if selected.

Ronaldo has made clear that he wants to continue representing Portugal and is prepared to accept the federation’s punishment. Proenca’s public support suggests the FPF does not view the incident as the end of his international career.

Ronaldo has spent more than two decades at the highest level, also representing Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. He remains one of the most recognisable athletes in the world and, according to Forbes, was the highest-paid athlete globally, with estimated earnings of $300 million over the previous year.

Those achievements and his commercial influence have made him central to Portugal’s sporting identity. However, his future will depend on whether his relationship with Jesus can be repaired and on the coach’s decisions over selection and playing time.