‘Our captain’: Portugal FA president backs Cristiano Ronaldo’s return for second time despite suspension and Jorge Jesus’ absence

Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença backs Cristiano Ronaldo’s return, calling him “our captain” despite his suspension and spat with Jorge Jesus / Image: Instagram Cristiano Ronaldo’s future in Portugal looked uncertain after he walked out of the national team camp during the international break in October, but the federation have now made it clear they want their captain back. President Pedro Proença has publicly backed the 41-year-old despite his temporary suspension and falling out with head coach Jorge Jesus, with November’s Nations League games offering a possible way back.

Proença calls Ronaldo “one of our key elements”

Speaking at a Portuguese Football Federation event in Funchal, Ronaldo’s birthplace, Proença reaffirmed the forward’s position in the national team, describing him as a central figure in Portuguese football.“We are in the home of the greatest asset that Portuguese football has ever produced: Cristiano Ronaldo, our captain,” Proença said, as quoted by ESPN. “Our captain Cristiano Ronaldo is one of our key figures.

FILE – Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo (7) leads his team’s players onto the field to warm up before their World Cup soccer Group K match against Colombia in Miami Gardens, Florida, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell, File)

It is not the first time that FPF president Pedro Proença has publicly supported Ronaldo and called for his return to Portugal. In a surprising twist, just hours after the federation’s disciplinary proceedings became public on Saturday, October 10.The federation opened proceedings on Friday, October 9, following Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the Portugal camp during the October international break following a dispute with Jorge Jesus over his playing time. Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended, with the final punishment yet to be announced.But Proença quickly shifted focus towards reconciliation, making the federation’s desire for Ronaldo’s return unmistakable. In comments relayed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, he said: “The federation, the coach and all of Ronaldo’s teammates are of one mind, we want Ronaldo back.”“I expect Ronaldo to come back during the international break in November next year and he also wants to come back, he is the best player ever,” added Proença.

How Ronaldo’s feud with Jorge Jesus began

Ronaldo’s departure followed a disagreement over his role during Portugal’s recent camp. The striker believed that Jesus did not honor the understanding about his playing time and left the team without permission.The situation was particularly awkward as Ronaldo and Jesus worked together at Al-Nassr last season and won the Saudi Pro League title before re-uniting with Portugal. The fallout has now put their relationship under scrutiny, even as the Federation signals it wants the captain back available.

Ronaldo has reportedly left Portugal after Jesus reportedly broke promises regarding his Norway warm-up, with a private apology replaced by public defiance/ Picture: X

The FPF opened disciplinary proceedings earlier this month, on October 9, and announced the case publicly the following day. She called the matter urgent and referred it to the disciplinary investigation committee. The federation said Ronaldo initially faced an automatic provisional suspension after leaving the camp without permission, before a separate preventive suspension was imposed when proceedings began.Ronaldo acknowledged that he had to accept the consequences. In his public statement, he said he would accept whatever punishment the federation decided on, while also making it clear that he had not abandoned his international career and remained willing to represent Portugal even after any punishment.

November could offer Ronaldo a way back

Portugal’s next matches are scheduled for November when the team face Denmark on November 14 and travel to Wales three days later. The side have already secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their opening four matches, but Ronaldo’s availability remains dependent on the disciplinary proceedings and the decision of Jesus and the federation.Proenço’s expectation that Ronaldo will return during the November international break gives the captain a possible route back, although it does not mean confirmation that he will be selected. The team’s next announcement should give a clearer indication of whether the dispute is beginning to ease.

Soccer Soccer – Saudi Pro League – Al Nassr vs Al Diriyah – Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – October 9, 2026 Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his first goal REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

There is also a personal milestone in the game. Portuguese journalist Miguel Pereira earlier told talkSPORT that Ronaldo wanted to score his 1,000th career goal for Portugal rather than Al-Nassr, giving the goal potential international significance. Ronaldo’s recent strike in the elite AFC Champions League for Al-Nassr FC has taken him to 981 career goals and is just 19 away from the all-time four-figure mark. The upcoming international windows will continue to provide crucial opportunities to achieve this highest ambition in national colours.

The Federation wants him back, but the decision remains unresolved

Proença’s public support suggests Portugal’s management do not see the relegation as the end of Ronaldo’s international career. The disciplinary case remains open and a possible return will still depend on any sanction, the choice of coach and Ronaldo’s willingness to rejoin the squad.So far, the Federation has made its position clear: it wants its captain back. November’s games will show whether that welcome can translate into Ronaldo’s return to the Portuguese team.