Casablanca – Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, believes the Portuguese star may not return to the national team following his dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus, despite the 41-year-old forward’s earlier willingness to continue representing his country.
Speaking to reporters at a book launch in Lisbon on Wednesday, Aveiro suggested that reconciliation between her brother and the Portuguese national team remains unlikely.
“It’s more likely no than yes,” she said, according to Portuguese newspaper A Bola.
Aveiro explained that both Ronaldo and Jesus had been deeply affected by the disagreement, which followed the Al Nassr striker’s departure from Portugal’s training camp in September.
She described the situation between the two as unresolved and questioned whether their previous relationship could be restored.
“When we feel betrayed, returning to normal is very difficult,” she added.
Her comments were made at an event also attended by Jesus, who declined to address the controversy when approached by journalists.
The disagreement began during Portugal’s September international fixtures, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the team’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Norway.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner subsequently left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen ahead of their match against Denmark.
In a lengthy statement published on October 6, Ronaldo accused Jesus of failing to honor private agreements concerning his playing time and the public explanation of his absence from the pitch.
The Portuguese captain said the situation had damaged his trust in the coach, although he acknowledged that leaving the camp had been the wrong response.
Ronaldo apologized to his teammates and supporters and accepted responsibility for his departure. He also maintained that he remained available for international selection once any disciplinary punishment had been served.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against its captain and imposed a provisional suspension while the case is examined.
Aveiro’s latest remarks suggest that the situation may be more complicated than the federation’s public position indicates.
She also expressed disappointment with the treatment of her brother and argued that his contributions to Portuguese football had not received sufficient appreciation.
Ronaldo has represented Portugal for more than two decades and holds the men’s international records for appearances and goals, with 234 caps and 146 goals.
His immediate future now depends on the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings and whether the differences between him and Jesus can be resolved before Portugal’s next international fixtures.
