Jorge Jesus and Portugal's leaders open the door to Cristiano Ronaldo after Norway win
Portugal completed a perfect international break with a 2-1 home win over Norway, but the Cristiano Ronaldo saga still dominates the conversation. Head coach Jorge Jesus said the captain can return whenever he wants, with Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes also backing a comeback. The final decision now rests with Ronaldo, with a new international window arriving in a month.

Portugal wrapped up a flawless international break with a 2-1 victory over Norway, making it four wins from four since Jorge Jesus took charge. Yet the sporting results have been overshadowed by the Cristiano Ronaldo saga: after watching the entire game in Oslo from the bench, the forward left the camp in dramatic fashion. This Sunday, the coach and several key players made their position clear: the door remains open.
- Portugal beat Norway 2-1 and finished the break with four consecutive wins.
- Jorge Jesus insisted Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team whenever he wants.
- Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes offered public support for their captain's comeback.
- Ronaldo's future with Portugal is expected to be settled before the next break in a month.
Jorge Jesus opens the door for Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal return
After beating Norway, Jorge Jesus addressed Ronaldo's situation without hesitation. The Portugal boss made it plain that the striker's international career is far from over and that the choice lies with the player himself. "I don't know what will happen, for me everything is open," he said.
Jesus explained that Ronaldo needs to settle his future before the next squad announcement and that a return is a real option as long as he is playing regularly. "He has to decide his life before the call-up. If he is playing and wants to be in the national team, he can come back whenever he wants, why not?" said the head coach.
It was a misunderstanding and, in my opinion, it is easy to solve. As far as I am concerned, everything is fine. When will it be resolved? I don't know, we will see, this match has just finished...
Jesus' comments came after Ronaldo spent the entire match against Norway in Oslo on the bench and left the national team camp suddenly. That episode caused major turmoil, but the coach now frames it as a simple misunderstanding with an easy fix.
Nuno Mendes and Joao Cancelo back their captain's comeback
The Portugal dressing room also made its voice heard. Nuno Mendes was among the first to speak after the match and made clear that any player would be welcomed back into the squad. "Any player is welcome, obviously, we are happy with the results, I am happy and if Cristiano returns, we will receive him with open arms, whether it is Cristiano or any other player," he said.
The full-back kept the focus on his own role and the team's strong run. "I focus on my job, on playing football and helping the national team. I am very happy to play every match and for the victories," he added.
Joao Cancelo praises Cristiano as the best player Portugal has ever had
Joao Cancelo, who scored a stunning goal against Norway, went even further in his praise for Ronaldo. The Barcelona player described the forward as the symbol of the Portuguese national team and the greatest talent the country has produced.
Cristiano is our captain, the symbol of the national team, the best player Portugal has ever had, and without a doubt things will end in the best possible way.
Cancelo stressed that the key takeaway from the break was the four wins and that everyone, including Ronaldo, did a great job. He also hinted that there were conversations with the striker during the week, though he refused to reveal their content. "Obviously, we spoke with Ronaldo this week, but I am not going to reveal what we talked about," he said.
What happens next for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal
The ball is now in Ronaldo's court. After leaving the camp, the striker said it was time to support Portugal and that he would speak when the moment came. With the international break now over and no more matches on the immediate calendar, that moment appears to have arrived.
The next international window opens in a month. That is when Ronaldo's final decision is expected, and when Portugal may find out whether their captain rejoins a dressing room still waiting for him with open arms.
Frequently asked questions
What did Jorge Jesus say about Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal vs Norway?
Jorge Jesus said everything is still open and that Cristiano Ronaldo can return to the national team whenever he wants if he is playing and willing to come back. The coach described the situation as a misunderstanding that is easy to resolve.
When will Cristiano Ronaldo decide on his Portugal future?
The decision is expected before the next squad announcement, since the coach asked Ronaldo to settle the matter ahead of that date. Portugal's next international break comes in a month.
How do Joao Cancelo and Nuno Mendes feel about Ronaldo returning?
Both players said they would welcome Ronaldo back with open arms. Cancelo called him the captain and the best player in Portugal's history, while Nuno Mendes said any player would be received warmly by the group.