Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with the Portugal national team has come under fresh scrutiny after his sister, Elma Aveiro, suggested that a return to international football may be unlikely following his reported dispute with manager Jorge Jesus.
Aveiro made the comments at a book launch in Lisbon on Wednesday, an event also attended by Jesus. Asked whether her brother would return to the national team, she indicated that she was more doubtful than optimistic.
“It’s more likely a no than a yes,” she said, adding that both Ronaldo and Jesus appeared to have been hurt by the situation.
Aveiro stressed that the dispute was something experienced directly by the two men, although she was speaking from her perspective as Ronaldo’s sister. She described the situation as unresolved and said it remained to be seen how events would develop.
Her remarks have added to uncertainty surrounding the future of the 41-year-old forward, who has expressed a desire to return to Portugal’s squad despite the disciplinary action against him.
Sister Says Rebuilding Trust Could Be Difficult
Aveiro also questioned whether Ronaldo and Jesus would be able to repair their relationship after the disagreement.
Asked whether reconciliation was possible, she said the situation was complicated and suggested that a perceived betrayal could make it difficult for the relationship to return to normal.
She expressed sadness over the controversy, arguing that some people in Portugal had failed to appreciate what her brother had contributed to the country over the course of his career.
Aveiro said it was difficult for her to watch Ronaldo go through the situation, adding that she believed he did not deserve the treatment he had received.
Her comments reflect the frustration within Ronaldo’s family as the dispute threatens to overshadow the closing stages of his international career.
Dispute Began After Ronaldo Was Left on the Bench
The disagreement reportedly intensified during Portugal’s recent international break, when Ronaldo was left on the bench during the team’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway.
According to reports, Ronaldo believed there had been an understanding that he would enter the match for approximately 30 minutes. However, Jesus reportedly instructed him to warm up without eventually bringing him onto the pitch, explaining that he did not need the forward.
The decision is understood to have angered Ronaldo, who reportedly felt that promises made to him had not been honoured.
The disagreement escalated before Portugal’s subsequent match against Denmark. Reports suggest that Ronaldo had agreed to an eight-point statement intended for Jesus to deliver at a press conference to address speculation that the player was demanding more playing time.
However, Ronaldo reportedly believed the manager had deviated from the agreed message. He subsequently left the national team camp.
Ronaldo Accuses Jesus of Breaking His Word
After leaving the camp, Ronaldo released a lengthy statement of nearly 2,000 words accusing Jesus of going back on his promises on two occasions.
The statement intensified the public dispute and raised questions about the relationship between Portugal’s most recognisable footballer and the national team management.
Ronaldo later apologised to his team-mates, but the apology did not immediately resolve the situation.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently initiated disciplinary proceedings to determine whether his conduct warranted further action. Ronaldo was also placed under a preventive suspension while the case was being investigated.
The dispute has created uncertainty over whether he will be available for Portugal’s next international fixtures.
Portuguese FA Confirms Disciplinary Investigation
In a statement, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Ronaldo following a decision by its Non-Professional Section on 9 October 2026.
The investigation concerns events reported on 7 October. The federation said a preventive suspension had been ordered and that the case had been designated urgent.
The matter was referred to the FPF Disciplinary Investigation Committee on 10 October, with proceedings remaining confidential until the investigation is concluded.
The federation has not indicated a final outcome in the information provided. Ronaldo’s potential absence from the November international break therefore remains a possibility rather than a confirmed decision.
Ronaldo’s Mother Also Criticises the Situation
Aveiro is not the only member of Ronaldo’s family to have expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the dispute.
His mother, Dolores Aveiro, also criticised the situation, suggesting that her son was not being properly valued.
She said Ronaldo could have left through the front door but instead departed through the back door, a remark that appeared to reflect her disappointment over how events had unfolded.
The comments from both women underline the strength of feeling within Ronaldo’s family as the dispute continues to attract attention in Portugal.
Previous Retirement Claims Add to Uncertainty
Questions about Ronaldo’s international future had already emerged earlier in the year, when another of his siblings, Katia Aveiro, reportedly suggested that he would retire from international football after the World Cup.
Ronaldo subsequently dismissed those claims, leaving open the possibility that he would continue representing Portugal.
His latest disagreement with Jesus has now reignited speculation about whether he will bring his international career to an end.
At 41, Ronaldo is approaching a significant crossroads in his career, and the outcome of the disciplinary investigation could influence the timing and circumstances of any eventual departure from the national team.
Will Ronaldo and Jesus Repair Their Relationship?
For now, Ronaldo’s international future remains uncertain as the disciplinary process continues and his relationship with Jesus appears strained.
Although the forward has indicated that he wants to return to the team, Aveiro’s comments suggest that reconciliation may not be straightforward.
The immediate focus will be on the outcome of the Portuguese FA investigation and whether the two men can resolve their differences.
Until then, the possibility that one of Portugal’s most decorated footballers could be nearing the end of his international career remains a major talking point among supporters.
