Portuguese journalist Rui Santos made the claim after Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from the national team camp during the latest international break, although Jesus has publicly insisted the door remains open to the 41-year-old forward.
The dispute began when Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27. It was the first time he had failed to come off the bench during his 18-year international career.
Ronaldo subsequently left the training camp after learning he would not start against Denmark. He travelled to Spain by private jet and later said on social media that he would explain the reasons for his departure to the Portuguese public in due course.
Santos said Ronaldo was unhappy with the way Jesus had handled the situation and no longer trusted the manager’s public statements about his future with Portugal.
The report places the national team in an awkward position, with Jesus having repeatedly indicated that Ronaldo can return if he wants to continue playing international football.
Jesus said after Portugal’s latest victory over Norway that Ronaldo could be selected for the next international window if he is playing for Al Nassr and wants to return. He described the dispute as a misunderstanding that could be resolved through a conversation between the two men.
Portugal have continued to perform without Ronaldo. They won against Norway after leaving him out and have also secured further victories during the Nations League campaign, strengthening Jesus’s position after his appointment in July.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances and remains one of the most important figures in the country’s football history.
His future with the national team is therefore unresolved despite the latest report. Ronaldo has yet to publicly confirm that he will refuse another call-up, while Jesus has made clear that selection remains available to him.
The situation is likely to remain a major talking point ahead of Portugal’s next international window in November.