Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença has moved to shield Cristiano Ronaldo from the fallout of his clash with coach Jorge Jesus, using a Monday statement on the federation’s X handle to declare that the veteran forward belongs in the national team for as long as he is fit and available.
Proença cast the dispute as a family quarrel that should stay behind closed doors, and he wasted no time praising the player at its centre.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in history. He has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football and is the ultimate symbol of Portuguese identity,” Proença said.
Rather than question whether Ronaldo deserves his place, the federation chief defended the selection on sporting grounds and rejected any suggestion that sentiment alone keeps the forward in the squad.
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“His presence with the national team is well-deserved thanks to his exceptional sporting abilities, and this is undeniable. He will always remain part of this group whenever he is fit and ready,” he added.
Turning to the rift with Jesus, Proença played down the drama and urged both men to settle it privately. “What happened between him and Jorge Jesus was simply a misunderstanding that needs to be resolved internally,” Proença said.
He also reminded observers that Ronaldo had led the team out as captain during the opening game of the four-match window, which he offered as proof that the player remains firmly woven into the fabric of the squad. “Cristiano is part of the national team; he is our icon, and he captained the team in the first of the four matches,” Proença said.
The president then credited Ronaldo’s loyalty for his decision to keep playing, arguing that the forward could have walked away after the World Cup but chose to stay out of devotion to his country. “Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese icon and an exceptional player.
He could have ended his career at the World Cup, but he didn’t because of his love for his national team,” he said. Proença added that he has watched that devotion first-hand, noting the connection between the player and the public. “I can attest to the bond he shares with the Portuguese people and our national team,” he said.
With the four matches now behind them, Proença sees a natural opening for peace, and he encouraged the two men to use the pause to repair their working relationship. “Now that the four matches are over, we have the time and calm to sit down together and resolve the misunderstanding,” he said.
Proença finished by leaving the door wide open, stressing that Ronaldo’s future with Portugal remains undecided and that the federation will welcome him back whenever the coach calls. “Cristiano is part of our legacy, and he will always be here whenever the coach wants him,” he said.
