Jorge Jesus Breaks Silence On Cristiano Ronaldo Question Following Denmark Loss

Last Updated:November 15, 2026, 4:00 PM IST

Jorge Jesus insisted Portugal didn’t miss Cristiano Ronaldo after the team’s 4-1 Nations League loss to Denmark.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after failing to score during the Nations League match against Wales (Picture credit: AP)

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has said that his team did not miss the services of the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, especially as the veteran has already retired from international football, after the team lost 1-4 to Denmark in the ongoing Nations League.

Portugal honoured Ronaldo before kick-off, with footballers and mascots taking to the field in jerseys bearing his name and iconic No. 7, after his announcement last week that he would retire from international football.

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to set international records for both goals and appearances, scoring 146 times in 234 games for his nation.

“Missing what? He is no longer on the national team, so what is missing? The only thing missing is his presence here to keep me company,” Jesus said at the post-match press conference.

Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, but Jesus has refused to attribute anything that unfolds on the field to the forward’s absence.

Jesus had taken a similar stance before the game, describing the planned tribute as a commendable decision by the Portuguese Football Federation.

Ronaldo’s crowning achievement on the international stage was Portugal’s Euro 2016 win, but his career with the national team ended on a sour note after he fell out with Jesus over his omission from a Nations League game in September.

The incident resulted in Ronaldo being handed a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation, eventually leading to his retirement. Portugal, meanwhile, put in such a dismal display that they appeared to be missing the prime version of Ronaldo.

Jesus said that it was normal that people would miss him and remember what he did for over 23 years.

Denmark dominated proceedings from the outset and deservedly took a 1-0 lead into the break, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg converting a penalty in the 43rd minute.

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Why did Cristiano Ronaldo retire from international football?

Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football following a dispute with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus. The conflict arose after Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench and omitted him from a Nations League game, leading to a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation and Ronaldo’s eventual departure.

What did Jorge Jesus say about Portugal missing Cristiano Ronaldo after the Denmark loss?

Following Portugal’s 1-4 defeat to Denmark in the Nations League, head coach Jorge Jesus stated that the team did not miss Ronaldo’s services on the field since he had retired. Jesus remarked that the only thing missing was Ronaldo’s presence to keep him company.

How many goals and appearances did Cristiano Ronaldo record for Portugal?

Cristiano Ronaldo made a world-record 234 appearances for the Portugal national team after making his debut in 2003, scoring a record 146 goals over his illustrious career.

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