Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has paid tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s decision to retire from international football, describing him as a global football reference and an enduring symbol of the national team.
Jesus said Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football would remain significant, particularly because of his influence on younger generations and the achievements he delivered during his 23-year international career.
Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11 on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Jesus acknowledged that he had wanted the 41-year-old forward to continue representing Portugal but said he respected his decision to end his international career.
The coach’s comments came hours after Ronaldo announced that he would no longer play for Portugal, bringing an end to one of the most decorated international careers in football history. UOL +1
Jorge Jesus Describes Ronaldo as a Global Football Icon
Jesus praised Ronaldo’s influence on Portuguese football, describing him as a global reference, a symbol of the national team and an inspiration to young people.
The coach also highlighted the opportunity he had to work with Ronaldo during their time together at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
According to UOL, Jesus said Ronaldo had given a great deal to the national team over the years and would always remain an important figure in Portugal’s sporting history.
Jesus disclosed that he had asked Ronaldo to continue playing for the national team because he believed the forward’s presence would be valuable to the squad.
However, he acknowledged that the decision ultimately belonged to the player.
The Portuguese coach also revealed that he had requested a large photograph of Ronaldo be displayed in the auditorium at the headquarters of the Portuguese Football Federation.
He said the photograph would serve as a reminder of Ronaldo’s achievements and provide inspiration to young players and others associated with Portuguese football. UOL +1
Ronaldo Ends 23-Year International Career
Ronaldo announced his international retirement on Thursday through a video message shared on social media.
The former Portugal captain said the time had come to hand over the national team’s famous number seven shirt to the next generation.
His decision ended an international career that began in August 2003 and established him as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo finished his Portugal career with 234 appearances and 146 goals, records that make him the most-capped player and highest goalscorer in men’s international football.
In his farewell message, Ronaldo reflected on the responsibility of representing his country and expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, family and supporters.
He said the decision was not easy but acknowledged that his journey with the national team had reached its conclusion.
Ronaldo also emphasised that representing Portugal had been one of the greatest privileges of his football career. Reuters +1
Portugal Achievements Define Ronaldo’s Legacy
During his international career, Ronaldo helped Portugal secure several major honours.
His most significant achievement came at the 2016 European Championship in France, where Portugal defeated the hosts 1-0 after extra time in the final to win its first major international trophy.
Although Ronaldo was forced off through injury during the final, he remained an influential presence from the sidelines as his teammates completed the victory.
Portugal subsequently won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, adding to the forward’s international achievements.
Ronaldo also represented his country across six FIFA World Cup tournaments and six European Championships.
His longevity, consistency and goalscoring ability helped establish him as one of the defining figures of international football.
Despite his individual records and major honours, winning the FIFA World Cup remained an achievement that eluded him.
Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended with elimination against Spain in the round of 16, bringing another chapter of his international career to a close. Reuters +1
Retirement Follows Tensions With Portugal Coach
Ronaldo’s announcement also comes after a disagreement with Jesus over his role in the national team.
The tension became public during the September international break when Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway.
The forward reportedly became unhappy after not being introduced during the match and subsequently left the national team’s training camp.
Jesus later explained that he had the authority to make selection decisions and that Ronaldo’s absence from the starting lineup was a technical decision.
The coach maintained that the forward remained eligible for future selection if he wanted to return.
Ronaldo subsequently apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese public for leaving the camp, although he maintained that he had felt a breach of trust.
The Portuguese Football Federation later imposed a 30-day suspension and a fine following the incident.
Although Jesus had previously indicated that the relationship could be repaired, Ronaldo’s retirement announcement has ended the possibility of their working together again at international level. Sky Sports +2
Portuguese Football Federation Plans Tribute
The Portuguese Football Federation has also acknowledged Ronaldo’s contribution to the country, expressing gratitude for his extraordinary service to the national team.
In its statement, the federation described him as an inspirational leader who helped raise Portugal’s international football profile.
It also recognised his influence on young people who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
The federation said it intended to organise a tribute that would allow Portuguese supporters to celebrate his achievements and contribution to the country.
The proposed recognition reflects the importance of Ronaldo’s career to Portuguese football, particularly his role in delivering the country’s first European Championship title.
No specific date or venue for the proposed tribute had been confirmed in the reports available on Thursday. ABC News +1
Ronaldo Expected to Continue Playing for Al-Nassr
Although his international career has ended, Ronaldo is expected to continue playing professional football for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.
His immediate ambition includes reaching 1,000 career goals, a milestone that would further strengthen his place in football history.
Reuters and the Associated Press reported that Ronaldo had scored 985 career goals at the time of his retirement announcement.
Of those goals, 146 came during his 234 appearances for Portugal.
His continued involvement in club football means supporters will still have opportunities to watch him compete, even though he will no longer represent his country.
What Happens Next for Portugal?
Portugal now faces the challenge of building its national team without a player who has been central to its identity for more than two decades.
Jesus will be responsible for developing the next generation of attacking players while maintaining the competitive standards established during Ronaldo’s time with the national team.
The transition will involve more than replacing his goalscoring contribution. Ronaldo also provided leadership, experience and international recognition that helped shape Portugal’s football identity.
For Jesus, the immediate priority will be preparing the team for its upcoming international commitments and ensuring that the squad remains competitive.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s legacy is expected to remain an important part of Portuguese football history.
His records, international trophies and influence on younger players have established a standard that future generations will be measured against.
Jesus’ tribute underlines the significance of that contribution, even as Portugal prepares to move into a new era without its long-serving captain.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- UOL – Jorge Jesus pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement.
- Reuters – Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from Portugal’s national team.
- Associated Press – Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football.
- Euronews – Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo announces international retirement.
- DNotícias – Jorge Jesus reveals he asked Ronaldo to continue representing Portugal.
