Cristiano Ronaldo has drawn the curtain on his Portugal career, and the man in charge of the national team says he did not want to see him go. Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has revealed that he personally asked the 41-year-old forward to keep playing for his country before the retirement was made public, NotJustOk reported.
According to the report, Ronaldo announced on Thursday, November 5, 2026, that he was stepping away from international football. The decision closes a remarkable 23-year spell in the red and green of Portugal, one of the longest and most decorated international careers the game has seen.
What Jorge Jesus said
Speaking in an interview, Jesus did not hide his disappointment. He admitted that the veteran forward was still very much part of his plans, but said the final call belonged to the player. In his words: "I asked him to continue with me because I needed him by my side, but I have to accept his decision."
The Portugal manager then turned to Ronaldo's place in the history of the national side, calling him a figure the younger generation should look up to. "Cristiano is a global icon, an example for Portugal and the national team. He is a player who has given so much to the national team over the years. He will always be a reference for our national team, our people and our history."
A giant photo for the next generation
Jesus also disclosed a gesture meant to keep Ronaldo's influence alive inside the federation. According to NotJustOk, the coach arranged for a large photograph of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star to be mounted in the auditorium of the Portuguese Football Federation, so that young players coming through the system will continue to see him as a role model.
Weeks of tension before the goodbye
The warm words come with some background noise. NotJustOk reported that the retirement follows weeks of strained relations between Ronaldo and Jesus, linked to a disagreement between the two during Portugal's most recent international matches. The report did not spell out what the disagreement was about, and neither Ronaldo nor Jesus is quoted in the report addressing it directly, so the exact nature of the friction and whether it played a part in the decision remain unclear.
The numbers behind the legend
Whatever the circumstances of his exit, Ronaldo's record speaks loudly. He walks away with 146 goals from 234 appearances for Portugal, figures that place him among the most prolific international players of all time.
He also led Portugal as captain to the 2016 European Championship title, the country's first major international trophy, and to two UEFA Nations League crowns.
