Ronaldo may not play for Portugal again – Sister

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career with Portugal has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after his sister, Elma Aveiro, suggested that the 41-year-old forward is more likely to stay away from the national team than return.

Elma made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at a book launch in Lisbon, where Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus was also present. Blueprint reports

Asked whether her younger brother would return to the national team following his recent fallout with Jesus, she said the prospect of a comeback appeared increasingly unlikely.

“It’s more likely a no than a yes. I think both [Cristiano and Jorge Jesus] are hurt. It was a situation they experienced, not me, I’m speaking for my brother,” she said.

She added: “I think it’s a situation that’s stalled, we’ll see what happens. I don’t know, it’s very complicated. When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal.”

Her comments have intensified speculation about the future of Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, who is currently facing provisional suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his departure from the national team’s training camp during the October international break.

However, Elma’s remarks represent her personal assessment of the situation and do not amount to an official announcement that Ronaldo has retired from international football.

How rift with Jorge Jesus started

The dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus developed during Portugal’s recent UEFA Nations League campaign after the forward was left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 victory over Norway.

Ronaldo, who had warmed up during the match, was reportedly expecting to feature for approximately 30 minutes but was not introduced by the coach.

The decision became a source of disagreement between the two men, with Ronaldo subsequently alleging that Jesus had failed to honour an understanding concerning his participation and the explanation that would be given publicly.

In a lengthy statement released after leaving the national team’s camp in Copenhagen ahead of Portugal’s match against Denmark, Ronaldo outlined his account of the disagreement and accused the coach of breaking his word on two occasions.

According to the forward, an earlier plan had been discussed regarding his involvement in the two matches as part of arrangements to manage his fitness.

He said Jesus subsequently indicated that he would play for 30 minutes against Norway, leading him to warm up during the game. However, he remained an unused substitute.

Ronaldo also claimed that a subsequent understanding concerning how the situation would be explained publicly was not respected.

Jesus, on his part, denied that he had made a formal agreement with Ronaldo regarding the player’s appearance against Norway, although he maintained that the door remained open for the forward’s return.

The disagreement escalated when Ronaldo left the training camp before Portugal’s next fixture, prompting questions about his relationship with the coach and his future with the national team.

Portuguese FA suspends Ronaldo

The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo over his departure from the national team’s camp.

On October 10, the federation confirmed that a provisional suspension had been imposed while the matter was investigated.

The proceedings were classified as urgent, but no definitive duration for the suspension had been announced in the reports available as of October 15.

The disciplinary action has complicated the immediate prospect of Ronaldo returning to the squad, although it does not automatically mean that his international career has ended.

Ronaldo has acknowledged that his conduct required consequences. In his statement, he apologised for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates before the subsequent fixture.

He also said he would accept whatever punishment the federation imposed and remain available for selection after serving it.

The forward’s position has therefore left a distinction between the disciplinary process and the broader question of whether he and Jesus can repair their relationship.

Even if the suspension is resolved, his return will depend on the outcome of the proceedings, his willingness to rejoin the squad and the decisions of the national team’s management.

Elma says both men are hurt

Elma’s latest comments suggest that the disagreement has affected both Ronaldo and Jesus and that a quick reconciliation may be difficult.

She expressed sadness over what she considers a lack of appreciation for her brother’s contribution to Portuguese football.

“My feeling is one of sadness because the Portuguese people unfortunately forget what has already been done and think that things should be done differently now,” she said.

“I’m speechless, it’s very difficult to see my brother go through this. He is one of the people who least deserve this.”

Her remarks reflect the family’s frustration over the treatment of a player whose international career has spanned more than two decades.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Portugal in 2003 and became the country’s most prolific goalscorer and most-capped men’s international. He has also captained the national team through several major international tournaments.

His record and longstanding influence have made the dispute particularly significant for Portuguese football, with supporters divided over the circumstances surrounding his departure from the camp.

Nevertheless, Elma acknowledged that she was speaking from her perspective as Ronaldo’s sister rather than as a participant in the discussions between the player and the coach.

Jesus previously left door open for return

Despite the disagreement, Jesus had previously indicated that Ronaldo could return to the Portugal squad if he wished to do so.

Following Portugal’s victory over Norway, the coach said he remained open to speaking with the forward before the next international selection.

Jesus also stressed Ronaldo’s importance to the team, indicating that the decision to return would ultimately involve the player himself.

That position contrasts with Elma’s pessimistic assessment, although it does not resolve the disciplinary proceedings or the underlying disagreement.

Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures are scheduled for November, including a home match against Denmark on November 14 and an away game against Wales on November 17.

Whether Ronaldo will be available for either fixture remains uncertain, given the unresolved disciplinary case and questions surrounding his relationship with Jesus.

The federation’s final decision and any subsequent discussions between the two men are expected to be important in determining the forward’s immediate international future.

Retirement speculation grows

Ronaldo’s age and previous comments about the closing stages of his playing career have added to speculation that the dispute could mark the end of his time with Portugal.

However, the forward has not officially announced his retirement from international football.

His recent statement instead indicated that he intended to remain available for selection after serving any punishment arising from the incident.

For now, Elma’s comments have intensified uncertainty around a possible return but have not settled the question.

The immediate focus remains on the FPF’s disciplinary process and whether Ronaldo and Jesus can find a way to move beyond their disagreement.

Until those issues are resolved, the prospect of Portugal losing its most prolific international goalscorer remains a possibility rather than a confirmed outcome.