Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus reunite for Portugal months after Al Nassr title glory

Just over four months after securing the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr, manager Jorge Jesus and captain Cristiano Ronaldo are once again working together for the Portugal national team. Jesus took over the Al Nassr position in May 2025, leaving Al Hilal for the second time, switching clubs three months later to assume the role of his national team boss.

Jesus emphasized that Ronaldo was the driving force behind his appointment, stating that “Without Cristiano Ronaldo, I certainly wouldn’t be there.” Ronaldo, who had been without a trophy since moving to the Saudi Arabian league, finally achieved his goal when Al Nassr won the SPL season. Jesus praised Ronaldo's contribution, saying, “He has always won everything at the clubs he’s played for.

He hasn’t won practically anything at this one yet, so I’ll see if I can help him.” Ronaldo's trophy drought came to an end just a year later, when Al Nassr clinched the SPL title. Jesus accepted the challenge to guide Ronaldo to a championship win, stating, “I accepted this challenge only because I told Cristiano: ‘I will help you become champion, we will win the trophy, and then I will leave.’

That’s it. For me, the mission is complete.” Ronaldo, at 41, soon headed to North America for his sixth appearance at a FIFA World Cup, which unfortunately ended with a disappointing 1-0 loss to eventual champions Spain in the round of 16. Despite the loss, Ronaldo had made history by becoming the first player to score at six World Cups, with his double against Uzbekistan in the group stage making him a true legend.

However, his World Cup performance was lackluster, and he left the pitch in tears after the match. "I gave it my all, I gave my best. And I leave with a clear conscience," Ronaldo said. "That’s football, that’s the life of a footballer. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. And it has to move on." Following Portugal's exit, Martinez's contract was not renewed, and Jesus was appointed as his replacement on a four-year deal.

Jesus sees his new role as the pinnacle of his coaching career, but emphasized that Ronaldo will not receive any special treatment. "His performance is what matters. The past doesn’t count," Jesus said. Ronaldo has been impressive in his early starts with Al Nassr under his replacement Ange Postecoglou, scoring three goals in six SPL games.

However, he will face the challenge of international duty after a 4-0 AFC Champions League defeat to Al Ain. Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo will start against Wales at Estadio Jose Alvalade, calling him "our symbol." Despite Jesus' backing, Ronaldo remains focused on his goals, which include scoring his 1,000th career goal and leading Portugal to a Nations League title.