Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal coach Jorge Jesus have settled their dispute over his benching against Norway, Portuguese media reported on 30 September, ahead of planned mediation by the federation.
The 41-year-old captain stayed on the bench for all of Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on 27 September. It was the first competitive match in more than 18 years in which he was named as a substitute and never came on. Record newspaper reported that Ronaldo was unhappy, and that Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, changed his plans to hold three-way talks with the player and the coach.
Before any mediation took place, the two men dealt with it themselves. Record reported that after several informal exchanges during the day, Jesus and Ronaldo sat down together that evening. Both felt the matter had to be settled at once, without Proença stepping in. Public broadcaster RTP also reported that they had reached an understanding.
The timing matters because Portugal play Denmark in Copenhagen on 1 October. It is also an early test of how Jesus manages the most famous player in the squad. He replaced Roberto Martínez as coach this year and already knows Ronaldo well, having coached him at Saudi club Al Nassr.
Against Norway, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos scored for Portugal, and Erling Haaland replied for the visitors. Ronaldo warmed up in the second half. Jesus said afterwards that he had intended to bring the forward on, but changed his mind as the game developed. Record reported that the plan had been for a 30-minute appearance.
Jesus denied there was any rift with his captain. “I speak to Cristiano Ronaldo every day, every minute,” he said.
Ronaldo started the opening game of the campaign, a 1-0 win over Wales, and was criticised for making little attacking impact. Before the international window, he said he had considered ending his international career after Portugal’s disappointing World Cup. He said talks with Jesus and Proença had convinced him that he could still help the team, both with goals and away from the pitch.
Jesus was expected to address the matter at his pre-match news conference on 30 September.
