Jorge Jesus explains why he did not keep his promise to Ronaldo against Norway

27.09.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

Norway

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Portugal

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Portugal secured a 2-1 win away to Norway on Sunday, on the second matchday of the Nations League.

Although he was available, Cristiano Ronaldo did not come on. It was a surprising decision from Jorge Jesus, given how rarely the Portuguese captain remains on the bench without playing a single minute for his national team.

Jesus explains why Ronaldo did not come on

Speaking to TNT Sports, Jorge Jesus explained the reasons behind his decision: “He did not come on. I was thinking of bringing him on, perhaps for half an hour, but the match began to call for other choices. I felt that it was not the right time to bring him on.”

The Portuguese manager also revealed that he had agreed with Ronaldo before the match that he would come on during the game. Gonçalo Ramos’s performance, however, led him to change his plans.

“I had indeed agreed with him that he would play the final half-hour, and I had told him that I would bring him on, but the match did not call for it. Gonçalo Ramos was putting in a good performance, he scored a goal and another was disallowed for him.

I felt that it was not the right time to take him off. As time went on, the moment was no longer suitable for Cristiano to come on. It was then more important to bring on a player capable of helping maintain the team’s balance and preserve the result.”

Jesus reacts to Ronaldo’s departure for the dressing room

Jorge Jesus was then asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s attitude at the final whistle. The Portuguese captain headed straight for the tunnel leading to the dressing room without going over to greet the supporters.

The Portuguese manager said that he had not noticed the incident at the time and did not want to interpret Ronaldo’s behaviour before speaking with him.

“I did not notice that. I found out after the match, after receiving several questions about it. He is the only one who can answer that question.”

Jorge Jesus finally announced that he intended to speak with his captain: "Of course, I will speak to him. The national team is the national team; it is not like a club. But I cannot know what was in his mind. I will know after speaking with him."

Portugal: “I could leave as early as today”, Cristiano Ronaldo

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

Related teams and leagues

Norway

Portugal

UEFA Nations League A