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Portugal's newly appointed head coach has hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo’s international journey might not yet be over.

Jorge Jesus, who recently took charge of the national team, indicated that the legendary forward could continue representing Portugal despite earlier suggestions that the 2026 World Cup marked the end of his international career.

The Portuguese superstar had scored his first and, as many believed, final World Cup knockout goal against Croatia before Portugal suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain, which was thought to be his last appearance on the global stage.

However, with the arrival of his former Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus, there now appears to be a possibility that Ronaldo’s international retirement might be delayed.

Ronaldo enjoyed his second-best World Cup campaign in 2026, netting three goals against Uzbekistan and Croatia.

Those strikes took his total tally to 11 World Cup goals, surpassing the previous Portuguese record of nine held by Eusebio from the 1966 tournament.

Following another disappointing World Cup outing for Portugal — despite a talented squad filled with proven winners — Jorge Jesus was appointed to replace the outgoing Roberto Martinez after the team’s elimination.

Jesus had previously coached Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, guiding Al-Nassr to the top-flight championship just last season.

During his first press conference as national team coach, Jesus addressed Ronaldo’s potential involvement, saying: “I haven’t spoken to Cris yet. But his participation will never be a problem for the national team or for me.”

He continued: “When I need to make a decision, I will talk to him — and not only to him, but to all the players individually.”

“As long as I understand how far he can go and how far I can go, he will always have the final say over what he wants to do with his career. If he is playing and remains in the right condition to perform, that will be the key factor.”

The new Portugal boss added: “If he is available and meets the criteria, I will include him in the squad, within the limits and conditions that best serve the national team.”

Jesus also reflected on his relationship with Ronaldo from their time together at Al-Nassr, noting that one of his main motivations for coaching the Saudi club was to help the Portuguese icon succeed in the Saudi Pro League.

Despite this renewed optimism, Ronaldo himself recently confirmed that he would not participate in a seventh World Cup in 2030, even though Portugal will co-host the tournament.