Ronaldo may never play for Portugal again – Sister

Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career with Portugal has been thrown into fresh uncertainty after his sister, Elma Aveiro, suggested the 41-year-old striker is more likely to stay away from the national team than return.

Elma made the remarks on Wednesday while speaking to journalists at the book launch in Lisbon, where Portugal coach Jorge Jesus was also present. Project reports

Asked whether his younger brother would return to the national team after his recent row with Jesus, he said the prospect of a return looked increasingly unlikely.

“It’s more likely a no than a yes. I think both [Cristiano and Jorge Jesus] they are injured. It was a situation they experienced, not me, I speak for my brother,” he said.

He added: “I think it’s a stalemate situation, we’ll see what happens. I don’t know, it’s very complicated. When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal.”

His comments have intensified speculation over the future of Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, who is currently facing a provisional suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his departure from the national team’s training camp during the October international break.

However, Elma’s remarks represent her personal assessment of the situation and do not amount to the official announcement of Ronaldo’s retirement from international football.

How the breakup with Jorge Jesus began

The dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus arose during Portugal’s recent UEFA Nations League campaign, after the forward was left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 win over Norway.

Ronaldo, who had warmed up during the match, was reportedly expected to play for around 30 minutes, but was not introduced by the coach.

The decision became a source of disagreement between the two men, with Ronaldo subsequently claiming that Jesus had not honored an agreement regarding his participation and the explanation that would be given publicly.

In a lengthy statement released after leaving the national team’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of Portugal’s match against Denmark, Ronaldo outlined his account of the disagreement and accused the manager of failing to keep his word on two occasions.

According to the forward, a plan had previously been discussed regarding his involvement in the two matches as part of arrangements to manage his fitness.

He said Jesus later indicated he would play 30 minutes against Norway, leading him to warm up during the match. However, an unused replacement remained.

Ronaldo also said that the subsequent agreement on how the situation would be explained publicly had not been respected.

Jesus, for his part, denied having made a formal agreement with Ronaldo regarding the player’s presence against Norway, although he maintained that the door remained open for the attacker’s return.

The disagreement intensified when Ronaldo left retirement before Portugal’s next match, raising questions about his relationship with the manager and his future with the national team.

The Portuguese Football Federation suspends Ronaldo

The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo for his departure from the national team pitch.

On 10 October the federation confirmed that a provisional suspension had been imposed while the investigation into the matter took place.

The proceedings were classified as urgent, but the definitive duration of the suspension had not been announced in the reports available as of October 15.

The disciplinary measure has complicated the immediate prospect of Ronaldo returning to the team, although it does not automatically mean that his international career is over.

Ronaldo acknowledged that his conduct required consequences. In his statement, he apologized for not acknowledging the fans after the Norway match and for leaving his teammates before the next match.

He also said he will accept any punishment imposed by the federation and will remain available for selection after serving it.

The attacker’s position therefore left a distinction between the disciplinary process and the broader question of whether he and Jesus can mend their relationship.

Even if the suspension is resolved, his return will depend on the outcome of the proceedings, his desire to return to the squad and the decisions of the national team management.

Elma says both men are injured

Elma’s latest comments suggest that the disagreement has affected both Ronaldo and Jesus and that a quick reconciliation may be difficult.

He expressed sadness at what he sees as a lack of appreciation for his brother’s contribution to Portuguese football.

“My feeling is one of sadness because the Portuguese people unfortunately forget what has already been done and think that now things should be done differently,” he said.

“I’m speechless, it’s very difficult to see my brother go through all this. He’s one of the people who least deserves it.”

His remarks reflect the family’s frustration with the treatment of a player whose international career spans more than two decades.

Ronaldo made his senior debut with the Portuguese national team in 2003 and has become the most prolific goalscorer and most capped men’s national team. He also captained the national team in several major international tournaments.

His record and long-standing influence have made the dispute particularly significant for Portuguese football, with fans divided over the circumstances of his departure from the pitch.

However, Elma acknowledged that she was speaking from her point of view as Ronaldo’s sister and not as a participant in the discussions between the player and the coach.

Jesus had previously left the door open for the return

Despite the disagreement, Jesus had previously indicated that Ronaldo could return to the Portuguese team if he wished.

After Portugal’s victory over Norway, the coach said he was willing to talk to the striker before the next national selection.

Jesus also underlined Ronaldo’s importance to the team, stating that the decision to return will ultimately involve the player himself.

This position contrasts with Elma’s pessimistic assessment, although it does not resolve the disciplinary proceedings or the underlying disagreement.

Portugal’s next Nations League matches are scheduled for November, including a home match against Denmark on November 14 and an away match against Wales on November 17.

It remains uncertain whether Ronaldo will be available for both matches, given the unresolved disciplinary case and questions over his relationship with Jesus.

The federation’s final decision and any subsequent discussions between the two men are expected to be important in determining the striker’s immediate international future.

Speculation on pensions is growing

Ronaldo’s age and previous comments about the final stages of his playing career have added to speculation that the dispute could spell the end of his time with Portugal.

However, the striker has not officially announced his retirement from international football.

His recent statement instead indicated that he intended to remain available for selection after serving any punishment arising from the incident.

For now, Elma’s comments have intensified uncertainty about a possible return, but have not resolved the issue.

The immediate focus remains on the FPF’s disciplinary process and whether Ronaldo and Jesus can find a way to overcome their disagreement.

Until these issues are resolved, the prospect of Portugal losing their most prolific international goalscorer remains a possibility rather than a confirmed outcome.