Portugal national team coach Jorge Jesus stated that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the squad if he wishes, despite the superstar walking out on his teammates. Jesus made these comments after Portugal defeated Norway to reach the Nations League quarter-finals without Ronaldo. The dispute began when Jesus benched the 41-year-old Ronaldo for Portugal's initial win over Norway, leading to Ronaldo's departure from the squad after learning he would not start against Denmark. Jesus confirmed that if Ronaldo is playing for Al-Nassr, he remains eligible for selection. The coach emphasized that Ronaldo will decide his own national team future, including whether to speak with Jesus before the November matches. Ronaldo, Portugal's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, previously played for Real Madrid and Manchester United. Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez after the 2026 World Cup.