Jorge Jesus says Ronaldo retirement surprised him before Portugal squad announcement

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus said Cristiano Ronaldo's international retirement caught him by surprise, with the forward still in his plans for November's Nations League squad. BBC Sport reported that Jesus learned of the decision when it became public, rather than through advance contact with the player. Ronaldo announced his departure in an Instagram video on Thursday, ahead of Friday's squad announcement.

Watch the highlights:

Jesus said Ronaldo's performances and goals for Al-Nassr had kept him on his selection list. According to the BBC, the 41-year-old was eligible again after a 30-day international suspension, during which Portugal played no matches. His availability had therefore changed before he chose to end his national-team career.

The suspension followed Ronaldo's departure from Portugal's camp in September after he was told he would not start against Denmark. Jesus defended his handling of the team at Friday's news conference, the BBC reported, and said he had not contacted Ronaldo since the announcement.

FIFA's account of the retirement confirmed that Ronaldo leaves with 234 senior appearances and 146 goals, both records in men's international football. His national-team career began in August 2003 and lasted more than two decades. In his farewell message, he described the decision as difficult and said it was time for the next generation to take over the number seven shirt.

The international farewell does not end Ronaldo's playing career: FIFA said he will continue with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. His Portugal honours include the European Championship in 2016 and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. He also scored at six World Cups, finishing with 11 goals across those tournaments, including three at the 2026 finals in North America.

Associated Press reporting underlines the longevity behind those totals. Ronaldo scored for Portugal in 23 consecutive calendar years, beginning against Greece at Euro 2004. His final international goal was a penalty against Croatia at this year's World Cup. He also accumulated 10 international hat-tricks, reaching that mark with three goals against Luxembourg in 2021.