Coach Jorge Jesus Avoids Criticism from Cristiano
October 9, 2026 ·
Coach Jorge Jesus refused to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo's allegations, while tensions between the two continue. Ronaldo decided to leave the Portuguese national team after not fulfilling his agreement to play.
Coach Jorge Jesus Avoids Criticism from Cristiano
Why this is important
The tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus reflects the complicated dynamics within the Portuguese national team. With Ronaldo being one of the most important players in the team's history, this conflict could impact the team's preparations ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This uncertainty could also impact the team's overall performance, especially as they prepare for major competitions in the future.
Background
Cristiano Ronaldo, known as one of the world's best players, has experienced a complicated relationship with coach Jorge Jesus. This tension arose after Ronaldo felt that Jesus had not fulfilled his agreement regarding his fitness, which could potentially affect his contribution to the Portuguese national team in the future.
Main Points
- Coach Jorge Jesus Avoids Criticism from Cristiano.
- Coach Jorge Jesus refused to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo's accusations, while tensions between the two continue.
- HLV Jorge Jesus phớt lờ chỉ trích của Ronaldo.
Previously, on the evening of October 6, while Jesus was driving his car, the media also contacted him to ask about Ronaldo's statement. At that time, Jesus admitted that he had not read the open letter because he was busy following developments in the Portugal U21 team. Jesus' cautious response contrasted with the sharp accusations made by Ronaldo. In a lengthy statement posted on social media, the striker, who currently plays for Al Nassr, explained the reasons behind his sudden decision to leave the national team. Ronaldo stated that Jesus often did not fulfill his promises. According to Ronaldo, they initially agreed that he would not play against Norway and Denmark in order to maintain his fitness. However, ahead of the match against Norway, Jesus announced that Ronaldo would play around 30 minutes. Ronaldo also warmed up from the start of the second half, but in the end he didn't play at all.
After the incident, Ronaldo and Jesus were known to have communicated to agree on things that the coach had to explain to the media. However, according to Ronaldo, Jesus did not fulfill the agreement, so Ronaldo felt betrayed and decided to leave the national team on September 30, before the match against Denmark. Jesus, who previously coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr and won the 2025-2026 Saudi Pro League title, is now caught in open conflict with his former star player, which has put the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) in a difficult position.
Jesus' future is now in the main spotlight. Portuguese media once reported that Ronaldo would only return to the national team if the 72-year-old coach resigned. However, in his official statement, CR7 did not mention these conditions and emphasized that he was still willing to contribute if he was fit and maintained his performance at Al Nassr. On the other hand, Jesus has repeatedly stated that the door to the national team remains open for Ronaldo. The Portuguese coach considers this situation to be a misunderstanding, and emphasizes that decisions regarding the line-up are the prerogative of the coaching staff.
However, US media stated that the possibility of Jesus resigning could not be ignored if these tensions continued. According to a report from Portuguese media, A Bola, Ronaldo's decision to leave the team without permission has created a disciplinary situation that has never occurred in his more than 23 years of career with the national team. Goncalo Almeida, a lawyer who is also a judge at the FIFA Football Tribunal, believes that Ronaldo will almost certainly be subject to sanctions under Article 160 of the FPF Disciplinary Regulations. This article states that a player who is called up but unilaterally leaves training, matches or team activities without a valid reason may be subject to a playing ban from 1 to 6 months, as well as a fine of between 510 and 1,020 euros.
"I don't see any way for Ronaldo to avoid these sanctions," said Almeida. He explained that the second article of the law stipulates that unilateral absence or withdrawal from the national team will result in an automatic ban from playing. Thus, Ronaldo has been banned from playing and representing Portugal, although there has been no final disciplinary decision. The FPF Disciplinary Board can open its own procedures without complaint, because this case has become a public concern. Ronaldo will be notified and has the right to provide an explanation and present witnesses before the board makes a decision on the sanctions to be imposed. Almeida believes that this process will happen quickly.
However, Ronaldo's admission of his actions and apology may reduce the severity of the sanctions. In accordance with Article 244, if the party being investigated admits all incidents without reservation and the confession is deemed credible, then the minimum and maximum limits of sanctions can be reduced by half. Almeida assessed that Ronaldo had met these criteria through statements on his social media. If the Disciplinary Board approves it, in the best case scenario, the minimum sanction of one month and a fine of 510 euros could be reduced to a 15-day ban and 255 euros. However, this is only a legal opinion and not an official decision of the FPF. One other factor in Ronaldo's favor is that the time of the temporary ban will count as a reduction from the official punishment. Therefore, if only the minimum sanction is imposed and the process is completed early, the 41-year-old striker could be eligible to return to the national team in November. In his statement on October 6, Ronaldo emphasized that he was ready to accept all the consequences of his actions, in fact he felt that he should not receive special treatment because of his status.
What happened next
With Jorge Jesus choosing not to comment further, this situation may continue to develop. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Al Nassr, may remain outside the national team if the tension is not resolved. The Portugal national team must immediately find a solution to maintain their focus and preparation ahead of the upcoming matches, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus?
Cristiano Ronaldo criticized Jorge Jesus for claiming Jesus did not keep the promises he had agreed regarding his playing time for the Portuguese national team.
Who confirmed the tension between Ronaldo and Jesus?
Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed the tension in an open letter uploaded on social media.
Why didn't Jorge Jesus provide further comment?
Jorge Jesus avoided making further comments regarding Ronaldo's criticism and chose to focus on the team and his work at the federation.
What changes occurred after Ronaldo's statement?
After Ronaldo's statement, tensions between the two seem to be increasing and showing no signs of easing.
When did this incident occur?
This incident occurred on October 6 and 7, when Ronaldo issued his criticism and Jorge Jesus was questioned by journalists.