Ronaldo ‘certainly able to return’, says FPF president Proenca

Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.

Cristiano Ronaldo is “certainly” able to return to the Portugal fold after his explosive exit last month, according to Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proenca.

During the recent international break, Ronaldo made an abrupt exit from Jorge Jesus’ camp after being left on the bench for the duration of a 2-1 Nations League win in Norway.

Ronaldo subsequently issued a remarkable statement in which he accused Jesus of a breach of trust, saying the Selecao’s new head coach had agreed to play him for the final 30 minutes against Norway.

The Al-Nassr striker also revealed his advisers had prepared a series of statements for Jesus to read – which he refused to do – amounting to an admission of wrongdoing and comparing Ronaldo to Diego Maradona and Pele.

Ronaldo did confirm that he had not retired from international football, however, and though he has been provisionally suspended by the FPF pending an investigation, key figures behind the scenes appear intent on building bridges.

Proenca is among them, and speaking at an event in Ronaldo’s hometown of Funchal, he reasserted his belief that an accommodation may still be found.

“I think everything has already been said by our captain, everything has already been said by our coach, everything has even been said by the federation,” he said.

“We are all together. We started a process with 25 players. What we all want is to win the Nations League, and we will count on everyone. 

“Obviously, our captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the fundamental pieces for us to achieve this.

“Ronaldo is certainly able to return. He said that was his intention in the letter he wrote, and it has already been said by the coach. 

“The Portuguese Football Federation has also given its opinion and, therefore, what I say is that now is the time for calm, for us all to sit down at the table and find good solutions.”

Ronaldo and Jesus had seemingly enjoyed a strong relationship prior to their row, with the 72-year-old leading Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title last season.

Ronaldo scored 29 goals in 33 appearances under Jesus at club level in 2025-26, averaging one every 99 minutes.

But in his only Portugal outing under Jesus, in a 1-0 win over Wales on September 24, Ronaldo had seven shots with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.03 without scoring – his most attempts without netting in any game since a World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in October 2025 (also seven).

Since the start of 2025, Portugal have won five of their six games (D1, 83.3% win rate) when Ronaldo has not appeared, compared to 10 of 17 with him (D4 L3, 59% win rate).

Women’s Football

‘Bring it on’ – Bright sets sights on glory after Chelsea’s Champions League comeback

Premier League News

‘Best is yet to come’ for Fulham, says Silva

UEFA Conference League News

‘Chelsea fans have to trust us’ – Maresca issues rallying cry to Blues’ faithful

UEFA Conference League News

‘Chelsea are back’ if they win Europa Conference League, Maresca insists

Nations League

‘Every Portugal player’ wants to see Ronaldo win World Cup – Dalot

Premier League News

‘Every point is expensive’ in the Premier League, says Iraola

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.