Cristiano Ronaldo may be 41 years old, but Portugal’s new head coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear: his captain is still an integral part of the national team.
As he signed a four-year contract to guide Portugal through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the 71-year-old coach dismissed suggestions that Ronaldo’s age could become a problem.
"Age doesn't matter."
Jesus, who has been coaching Ronaldo for more than a year at Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, said working with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been straightforward despite the huge attention around him.
It’s easy to work with Cristiano.
And the veteran manager also dismissed any notion that Ronaldo could become a distraction for Portugal.
Cristiano will never be a problem for me or for Portugal. He is a symbol of Portuguese football.
Jesus says he believes Ronaldo is happy at Al Nassr and expects him to finish his legendary club career in Saudi Arabia.
I think Cristiano wants to stay at Al Nassr and finish his career there.
Jesus replaced Roberto Martinez, whose job was done after Portugal’s terrible 1-0 defeat to Spain in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mikel Merino’s late winner virtually ended Portugal’s campaign and Martinez’s tenure.
On the same day Ronaldo delighted fans by sharing nostalgic photos from Portugal’s historic UEFA Euro 2016 triumph as a new chapter begins under Jesus.
Lamine Yamal: Ronaldo is the definition of 'Aura'
A week before Spain's World Cup quarter-final against Belgium, Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal was asked an unusual question by a reporter:
"What is aura?"
The 18-year-old paused before giving an answer that quickly caught football fans’ attention.
Aura is... like when you see someone in a movie and you say, ‘Wow’... In football, Cristiano Ronaldo too—that would be a good example of aura.
Despite Yamal being one of the youngest players in world football and going to Portugal’s bitter foes, he did not hesitate to name Ronaldo as the best example of footballing presence and charisma.
And that comment is just one more example of Ronaldo’s impact on the sport as well. For all the new players like Yamal who are taking over the sport, the Portuguese star still inspires teammates, foes and rising stars.
Jorge Jesus is confident in Ronaldo, and one of football’s biggest young talents says he is the “aura” of the game, the great forward’s impact on the game is as strong as ever—both on the field and off.
