At 41, Should Ronaldo Still Play for Portugal?
Friday, October 9, 2026178 words3 minutes2384 reads
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is still Portugal's all-time leading scorer. But his place in the national team is under debate after he left a training camp in late September. He had not played against Norway. On October 6, he apologized to teammates and fans for leaving.
Ronaldo said coach Jorge Jesus had promised him playing time, then changed the plan. He also said Jesus failed to explain their private discussion as agreed. Jesus denied making an agreement. These are competing accounts, not an established finding about what was promised.
Ronaldo says he would be available again if he is fit and has served any punishment. Jesus has also left open the possibility of a return. A reader poll by Portuguese sports newspaper A Bola found that more than 70% of over 25,000 voters thought Ronaldo should not return. The poll shows its readers' views, not the views of every Portuguese fan.
Portugal must weigh his experience against younger players' need for chances. The final decision belongs to the coach and football authorities, and no return has been confirmed.
