Portugal’s football federation has begun behind-the-scenes discussions about staging a farewell match for Cristiano Ronaldo as it tries to resolve the dispute between the forward and head coach Jorge Jesus, French newspaper L’Équipe reported on Sunday.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), led by president Pedro Proença, is still attempting to repair relations between Ronaldo and Jesus. However, the federation reportedly considers the task difficult and has started exploring a farewell event as a precaution.
Ronaldo, 41, left Portugal’s training camp last Wednesday after Jesus’s press conference before the Nations League match against Denmark. Portugal won that game 4-2, but the disagreement overshadowed the result.
The forward reportedly flew by private jet to Madrid after leaving the camp. He was expected to return to Riyadh on Sunday to resume training with Al Nassr, where he remains under contract until June 2027. The Saudi club’s head coach is Ange Postecoglou.
The reported farewell discussions come as Portugal prepare for their next Nations League match against Norway at the Estádio do Dragão. A victory would secure Portugal’s place in the quarter-finals.
Jesus declined to dwell on the dispute before the Norway match, saying his priority was the team’s performance and qualification. He nevertheless stressed Ronaldo’s significance to the national side.
“That does not mean ignoring Cris. He is a symbol of the national team, let that be very clear. After the match, there will be plenty of time to talk about it,” Jesus said.
The coach also acknowledged that the controversy had affected his feelings about the Denmark victory.
“I was extremely happy with what the players did against Denmark, but I could have been happier,” he said.
Ronaldo addressed his departure on social media, confirming that Jesus’s remarks and a conversation with FPF president Proença preceded his decision to leave the camp.
He promised to explain his reasons publicly at a later date.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” Ronaldo wrote.
He also wished Portugal and all his team-mates good luck.
The FPF has not confirmed that Ronaldo will retire from international football or that it has formally arranged a farewell match. For now, the reported preparations represent a contingency while efforts to settle the dispute continue.
