Cristiano Ronaldo's international career may not be finished after all. Jorge Jesus, newly appointed as Portugal head coach, has signalled that the country's all-time record goalscorer remains in his plans — provided he is still performing at the required level.

Speaking at his official unveiling, Jesus made clear he has yet to hold direct talks with Ronaldo but insisted the question of the veteran forward's involvement would pose no difficulty. "I haven't spoken to Cris yet," the new coach said. "[But, his involvement] will never be a problem for the national team or for me."

Jesus added that he intends to consult every squad member individually before making decisions. "When I have to make a decision, I will speak to him. But not only with him, I will speak to everyone individually," he said. "As long as I understand how far he can go and how far I can go... He will always be the one to decide what he wants to do in his career. If he is playing and has the conditions to play."

The coach was unequivocal on one point: "If he is eligible for selection, I will call him up, within the limits and conditions that I deem best for the national team."

A familiar partnership

Jesus and Ronaldo are no strangers. The 70-year-old coach guided Ronaldo at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League as recently as last season, when the pair claimed the title together. Jesus acknowledged that one of his motivations for taking the Portugal job was the desire to continue supporting Ronaldo's career.

Ronaldo signed off from the 2026 FIFA World Cup with three goals across Portugal's campaign — strikes against Uzbekistan and Croatia — bringing his all-time World Cup tally to 11. That figure leaves him two goals clear of Eusebio, who holds the previous Portugal record of nine goals, scored at the 1966 tournament.

His most celebrated moment of the campaign was a knockout-round goal against Croatia, which proved to be his first — and supposedly last — such strike at a World Cup. Portugal were subsequently eliminated by Spain, beaten 1-0 in what many assumed would be Ronaldo's final international appearance.

Martinez exits, Jesus takes charge

Jesus was brought in to replace Roberto Martinez, whose tenure ended in disappointment following Portugal's early exit. Despite going into the tournament with a generation of genuine contenders, the squad failed to deliver.

Ronaldo himself stated last week that he will not be part of Portugal's squad for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, even though the tournament will be co-hosted in his homeland. However, Jesus's comments suggest that the door to further international appearances — short of 2030 — remains firmly open.