Ronaldo declines farewell match for the Portugal national team amid conflict with Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo, who announced on November 5 the end of his career with the Portugal national team after 23 years and 234 matches, does not want to play a farewell game. According to Observador, the reason was a conflict with coach Jorge Jesus: a phone call mediated by the federation president fell through.

Aziz KarimovFirst published on tafs uz 5 November 2026 at 23:382 min read

The key facts

Ronaldo announced his departure from the national team on November 5 after 23 years, 234 matches and 146 goals
He does not want a farewell match due to a conflict with Jorge Jesus, Observador reports
The federation plans a farewell event, but its format has not been determined

Departure without a farewell match

Cristiano Ronaldo announced on November 5 that he is ending his career with the Portugal national team after 23 years with the national side. During that time he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, setting world records in men's football, won Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice — in 2019 and 2025. The 41-year-old forward will continue his club career at Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr.

Conflict with the coach and a failed conversation

A farewell match, however, is unlikely to happen. According to the Portuguese outlet Observador, Ronaldo does not intend to take the pitch in the national team shirt even for a symbolic farewell to the fans — the reason being his long-running conflict with head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation, for its part, intends to organize a special event in honor of the forward, but its format has not yet been determined.

Suspension, fine and reaction

Relations between the player and the coach soured back in September: in a Nations League match against Norway, Ronaldo was left on the bench, although, according to him, Jesus had promised to give him 30 minutes of play. After the conflict, the forward left the team's camp, and the federation suspended him for a month and fined him 255 euros. The suspension was set to expire before the November matches against Denmark and Wales, but instead of returning, the player decided to end his international career. On Thursday, November 5, a phone call between him and Jesus, mediated by federation president Pedro Proenca, was supposed to take place but fell through — Ronaldo refused to speak with the coach. Jesus himself said that he had asked the player to continue playing for the national team and respects his decision. Neymar reacted to Ronaldo's farewell video, leaving a comment saying 'Legend' with a clapping emoji.