Cristiano Ronaldo Reunites With Jorge Jesus for Portugal After Al Nassr Title Glory

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus are working together again — this time with the Portugal national team — just months after celebrating a Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr.

The Portuguese pair reunited for the start of Portugal’s latest UEFA Nations League campaign, opening a new chapter after their successful season together in Saudi Arabia.

Jorge Jesus was appointed Portugal head coach in July following Roberto Martinez’s departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His most recent club job had been at Al Nassr, where he coached Ronaldo and helped the Riyadh club win its first Saudi Pro League title in seven years.

From Saudi Champions to Portugal

Ronaldo and Jesus enjoyed a successful partnership during the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League season.

Al Nassr secured the championship after defeating Damac 4–1 on the final day, finishing the season with 86 points — two ahead of Al Hilal.

Ronaldo scored twice in the title-clinching victory and finished the league campaign with 28 goals from 30 appearances.

Jesus subsequently left Al Nassr after the title triumph before being appointed Portugal manager following the World Cup.

His first Portugal squad included Ronaldo, João Félix, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and several other established international stars.

Jesus: Selection Will Depend on Performance

Despite their recent success together at club level, Jesus has made it clear that Ronaldo’s reputation will not automatically guarantee him a place in the Portugal starting XI.

The coach said current performance will determine selection, while acknowledging Ronaldo’s extraordinary career and five Ballon d’Or awards.

At 41, Ronaldo continues to captain his country and remains one of the central figures in Portugal’s squad.

He entered this international window with 979 senior career goals for club and country, leaving him within reach of his long-discussed ambition of reaching 1,000 goals.

Portugal Beat Wales in Jesus’ First Match

The new partnership started with a victory.

Portugal defeated Wales 1–0 at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon on September 24 in their opening UEFA Nations League fixture under Jesus.

João Félix scored the only goal in the 22nd minute.

Ronaldo started as Portugal captain and thought he had scored during the second half, but the effort was ruled out. He was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 67th minute.

The result gave Jesus a winning start as Portugal manager while beginning the national team’s defence of the Nations League title.

Ronaldo Still Chasing Major Targets

Ronaldo has indicated that he still believes he can contribute to Portugal despite being in the later stages of his career.

Ahead of the Wales match, he outlined two major personal ambitions: reaching the 1,000-goal milestone and helping Portugal win another UEFA Nations League title.

Portugal won the competition for the second time in 2025, defeating Spain on penalties in the final after Ronaldo scored during the match to help force extra time.

His latest international campaign therefore offers another opportunity to add to a career already filled with major individual and team honours.

A Familiar Partnership in a New Setting

Jesus and Ronaldo already know what it takes to win together.

Only months after celebrating Saudi Pro League success with Al Nassr, they are now attempting to transfer that understanding to international football.

The challenge will be different, with Portugal balancing experienced stars such as Ronaldo with a new generation of players while defending their Nations League crown.

For Ronaldo, the campaign could represent another significant chapter in his extraordinary international career.

For Jesus, leading Portugal represents his first opportunity to manage his country after more than three decades in club football.

And after beginning with victory against Wales, their reunion has already started on a positive note.