Ramos backs Ronaldo ahead of possible November comeback amid Portugal‑Jesus row
Ramos backs Ronaldo ahead of possible November comeback amid Portugal‑Jesus row
Portugal’s national team is once again the focus of headlines as the veteran striker Cristiano Ronaldo edges closer to re‑joining the squad for the November UEFA Nations League matches. The situation has been heated by a recent clash with head coach Jorge Jesus, but a supportive voice from teammate Gonçalo Ramos suggests the dressing‑room may welcome the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner back without friction.
The fallout from September’s training camp
During the September international gathering in Copenhagen, Ronaldo grew frustrated with the amount of playing time he was receiving and with certain expectations set by Jesus. After being omitted from the starting eleven against Norway, the Al‑Nassr forward left the camp early on 30 September, prompting the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) to hand down a disciplinary sanction. The federation imposed a 30‑day suspension and a fine of €255, both of which were back‑dated to the day of the incident, meaning the penalty expires before the November international window.
Ronaldo’s standing with the federation
Following the episode, Ronaldo issued an apology for his conduct but made it clear that he still wishes to compete for his country rather than retire. The FPF’s decision to include his name in the preliminary list of players for the upcoming Nations League fixtures keeps his options open, although the final squad has yet to be confirmed.
Gonçalo Ramos weighs in
PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos, who has been a regular feature in the Selecão this season, addressed the matter on the Portuguese TV programme "Soltinhos pelo Mundo" on Canal 11. He emphasized that the squad would stand behind Ronaldo should the coach decide to call him up, adding that the legend’s legacy would not be questioned by his peers. "If Cris goes to the next stage, we’ll be there. Above all, for his legacy, no one will ask him anything," Ramos said, underscoring the respect the younger forward holds for the veteran.
Ramos also highlighted the practical side of having both players available, noting that it does not have to be a choice between one or the other and that they could share the pitch on numerous occasions.
What lies ahead for Portugal
The Selecão’s November programme consists of a home match against Denmark on 14 November, followed by a trip to Wales three days later. Having already secured a place in the Nations League quarter‑finals, these games provide coach Jesus with a low‑stakes environment to experiment with line‑ups before the knockout phase.
Jesus now faces a delicate balancing act: weighing Ronaldo’s unparalleled experience and goal‑scoring record against the tactical demands of a squad that has evolved in his absence. The two also share a recent club connection, having worked together at Al‑Nassr, which adds another layer to the decision‑making process.
Ronaldo’s place in Portuguese football history
At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all‑time leading scorer and most‑capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. His contributions have been pivotal in the nation’s triumphs, including the 2016 European Championship and the 2018‑19 Nations League. Those achievements cement his status as a central figure in the country’s football narrative.
Key points to watch
- Whether the final squad announcement confirms Ronaldo’s inclusion for the November fixtures.
- How Jesus integrates the veteran into his tactical plan, especially given the team’s recent success without him.
- The reaction of the squad, with Ramos’s comments suggesting a welcoming atmosphere.
- Potential impact on Portugal’s preparation for the upcoming Nations League quarter‑finals.
As the deadline for the final squad approaches, the football world will be watching closely to see if the Portuguese captain can turn a turbulent episode into a new chapter of his illustrious international career.
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