Portugal manager Jorge Jesus shared a candid remark about Cristiano Ronaldo following Portugal's first game after the latter retired from international football. Jesus' charges suffered a 4-1 defeat to Denmark in their first match without Ronaldo, reigniting debate about the team's future. The tactician's comments came amid reported tensions between him and Ronaldo over the forward's role in the national side.
Jesus was asked whether he missed Ronaldo's presence in the Portugal squad, responding with "Missing what? He's no longer on the national team, so what's missing?" He clarified that the only thing missing is Ronaldo's presence to keep him company. This response suggested that the relationship between Jesus and Ronaldo remains estranged.
Jesus' remarks arrive in the context of a reported rift between the manager and Ronaldo over the forward's role in the squad. Reports had indicated that Ronaldo was left out of the starting line-up against Norway, contributing to the breakdown in his relationship with the national setup and his subsequent retirement.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international duty on November 5, bringing the curtain down on a 23-year career with the Portuguese national team. He finished as the highest-scoring player in men's international football history, with 146 goals across 234 appearances. During his tenure, he captained Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and to UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Before kick-off in Portugal's first post-Ronaldo fixture, players wore shirts bearing his iconic number seven, and supporters displayed tributes in recognition of his contribution to Portuguese football. The match itself turned into a difficult evening for Portugal, who were beaten 4-1 by Denmark in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, November 14, at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.
The heavy defeat intensified scrutiny over how Portugal will replace a generational talent whose output defined their national team for more than two decades. The Portuguese Football Federation had introduced a symbolic redesign of the No. 7 shirt to honour Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement. Although football regulations prevent Portugal from permanently retiring the number, the federation has found a special way to preserve the captain's legacy.
The redesign of the No. 7 shirt is a testament to Ronaldo's impact on Portuguese football. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and players alike. As Portugal looks to the future, they will have to find a way to replicate the success they had with Ronaldo on the team. The team will have to come together to find a way to move forward without their star player.
Key points
- Jesus and Ronaldo had a reported rift over the forward's role in the squad.
- Ronaldo finished his international career with 146 goals across 234 appearances.
- Portugal redesigned the No. 7 shirt to honour Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy.
