Former Portugal captain Luis Figo tells coach Jorge Jesus that Ronaldo must decide his international future, but the coach should select players on merit rather than reputation.
Figo says Ronaldo alone should decide whether to retire, but the coaching staff will influence the choice.
Figo argues Ronaldo should not occupy a national team place just because of his fame and past achievements.
Ronaldo has offered to step down if the coaching staff believes he is no longer the right selection.
# What Figo said and why it matters
Former Portugal forward Luis Figo addressed Cristiano Ronaldo's international future during the current international break. He told ESPN FC that the decision to retire internationally is ultimately Ronaldo's, but he made a clear distinction about squad selection.
Figo said the coach must carry responsibility for choosing the national team, and a player should not keep a place simply because of stature or historic achievements. That is a practical message to Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, who has been managing Ronaldo's role since taking charge.
# Context: recent events shaping the debate
Lionel Messi announced his international retirement after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and the death of his father. Messi's decision has intensified discussion about Ronaldo's own timeline. Ronaldo has not announced international retirement and remains publicly focused on scoring milestones, including his stated target of reaching 1,000 career goals.
Ronaldo is 41 and 21 goals short of his 1,000-goal target across all competitions, according to the same report. He has expressed willingness to continue representing Portugal as long as he feels it is appropriate and useful.
# What's happened under coach Jorge Jesus
Jorge Jesus included Ronaldo in his squad for current UEFA Nations League fixtures but has started to manage his minutes. In a recent 2-1 win over Norway, Ronaldo was on the bench and was an unused substitute. That selection move signals the coach is prepared to rotate the captain depending on form and tactical needs.
Figo emphasized that while Ronaldo can make a personal decision on retirement, the coach will have a strong influence on whether he remains a squad regular.
# The competing considerations
# Immediate outlook for Ronaldo and Portugal
# Bottom line
Luis Figo says Cristiano Ronaldo should be the one to decide when he wants to end his Portugal career.
Portugal head coach, Jorge Jesus has said Cristiano Ronaldo may no longer feature in every match
Portugal’s new coach, Jorge Jesus, explains his decision to include Cristiano Ronaldo in the squad for the UEFA Nations League, stating it’s based on form. Read More: https://punchng.com/why-i-picked-ronaldo-for-portugal-squad-coach-jesus/
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has explained his decision to include Cristiano Ronaldo in his latest squad, making it clear the veteran forward remains in his plans because of what he can still offer on the pitch. The 41-year-old remains a key figure for Portugal and was included in Jesus’ first squad as national-team
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