Crisis within Portuguese football: Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
The sudden departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portuguese selection gathering triggered a shock wave, revealing dysfunctions within the Federation. According to former international Diogo Luis, neither the player, nor the coach, nor the authorities have benefited from this crisis, which tarnishes the image of Portuguese football.
Why it matters
The current crisis within Portuguese football, exacerbated by the unexpected departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, raises questions about the management of the Portuguese Football Federation. Tensions between Ronaldo, coach Jorge Jesus and the FPF highlight a lack of clarity and accountability, which could have repercussions on the image of football in Portugal, especially in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Context
Cristiano Ronaldo, emblematic figure of Portuguese football, has always had a considerable influence on the national team. His sudden departure from the rally could have implications on the team's dynamics, especially with coach Jorge Jesus at the helm, who must now navigate this crisis to maintain team unity and performance ahead of the upcoming fixtures.
Key points
- Crisis within Portuguese football: Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus.
- The sudden departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the Portuguese selection gathering triggered a shock wave, revealing dysfunctions within the Federation.
- Ronaldo goes to show you how to do it.
From the first days of the gathering, the lack of clearly assumed responsibility was pointed out. The Federation, supposed to embody the supreme authority in the management of the selection, seemed overwhelmed by events. According to Diogo Luis, it failed to impose a framework in the face of the growing influence of certain personalities, in this case Ronaldo, whose symbolic weight on the selection is indisputable.
A key episode of this crisis lies in the mediation, outside any official federal framework, between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus, orchestrated by Simao Coutinho, sports director of the Saudi club Al Nassr where the attacker plays. The non-presence at this delicate moment of federal president Pedro Proenca reinforces the feeling of an absent, even weak, federation.
According to Luis, the passivity of the FPF after the departure of Ronaldo further fueled the unease. It took four days for an official message to emerge, recalling the importance of Ronaldo for the nation but lacking firmness on the consequences of his act. A message that is too lukewarm according to the former international, who recalls that the authority of a federation is also measured by its ability to reaffirm the rules and equal treatment between all players, whatever their notoriety.
Image
Concerning Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Luis believes that the Portuguese star reacted in an exaggerated manner. The reasons given, including the broken promise of playing time against Norway, are according to him not sufficient to justify such a departure, especially since internal documents show that the option to play Ronaldo was not initially confirmed.
The media coverage of the crisis, with Ronaldo's publication of the demands that he asked Jorge Jesus to present at a press conference, only further exposed the internal flaws. This communication strategy, instead of clarifying the situation, increased confusion and tarnished the image of the different actors in the eyes of international public opinion.
Only the voice of Ronaldo's mother, Dolores Aveiro, recalled the possibility of a more dignified exit for her son, regretting the turn taken while maintaining faith in the future. For Jorge Jesus, Diogo Luis tempers: if he suffered criticism, the coach also showed firm leadership, faithful to his reputation, even if more nuanced management could have limited the escalation of the conflict.
Ultimately, this crisis reveals a weakened Portuguese football where, according to Diogo Luis, no protagonist emerges as a winner. The image of the selection, the Federation and even Ronaldo is damaged, on the eve of major deadlines such as qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Everyone will have to learn the lessons of this episode to restore the unity and authority essential at the high level.
The rest
As the situation remains tense, it is crucial that the Federation takes steps to restore trust and clarify everyone's roles. Next steps could include official discussions to resolve internal tensions and prevent such incidents from happening again, especially with the national team preparing for major competitions like the World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Cristiano Ronaldo and the Seleção?
Cristiano Ronaldo unexpectedly left the Seleção rally, which highlighted tensions and a lack of clarity in the management of the national team.
Who confirmed the crisis within Portuguese football?
Diogo Luis, former player and consultant for the sports newspaper A Bola, confirmed that all the protagonists, including Ronaldo, Jorge Jesus and the Portuguese Football Federation, are losers in this situation.
Why is this crisis happening now?
The crisis arises due to
e the absence of clearly assumed responsibility and informal mediation between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus, orchestrated by Simao Coutinho, without the support of the Federation.
What changes are needed within the Portuguese Football Federation?
It is necessary for the Federation to strengthen its authority and reaffirm the rules to guarantee equal treatment between all players, regardless of their notoriety.
What was the impact of Ronaldo's departure on the Federation?
Ronaldo's departure exacerbated the unease within the Federation, which took four days to issue an official message, considered too lukewarm by Diogo Luis.