234 caps. 146 goals. Both world records. And yet Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal career is now hanging in the air, dependent entirely on what the man himself decides next.

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed after Sunday's 2-1 Nations League win over Norway that the door remains open for the Al-Nassr forward, who left the squad earlier in the camp following a series of flashpoints over his role in the team.

"If he wants to, he'll return to the national team," Jesus said. "Cris is the one who's going to decide. Cristiano should end his time in the national team the way he wants — he's the one who will decide how he wants it."

What triggered the walkout

Ronaldo started Portugal's opening Group A4 fixture, a 1-0 win against Wales in Lisbon. He was then named among the substitutes for the Norway game and, according to reports, became frustrated after being asked to warm up during the second half — only to remain unused. It was the first time he had been an unused substitute in a competitive Portugal match since 2008.

When Jesus subsequently told a press conference that Ronaldo would not start the Denmark fixture either, the 41-year-old departed the camp altogether. He followed that up with a social-media post promising to reveal "the truth" to the Portuguese people about his reasons for leaving "in due course".

Portugal fine without him — for now

On the pitch, Portugal have not missed a beat. Gonçalo Ramos, the AC Milan striker, scored in all three matches Ronaldo missed through either absence or non-appearance, and Sunday's victory over Norway put Portugal six points clear at the top of Group A4. They are through to the Nations League quarter-finals as defending champions.

That form creates an awkward backdrop for any reinstatement. Jesus, who also managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr (so knows the player's character well), maintained from his first call-up that he needed Ronaldo in the squad whether playing or not. "I said, 'I need you, I need you to be close to me, playing or not playing'," he reiterated on Sunday. "And now I'm saying the same thing."

Teammates were supportive in public. Joao Cancelo described Ronaldo as "the best player Portugal has ever had" and said he was confident things would "end in the best way". Nuno Mendes added that any returning player would be "welcome with open arms".

What happens next

Portugal's next fixtures are a home tie against Denmark on 14 November, followed by a trip to Cardiff to face Wales three days later. Jesus said he and Ronaldo could speak before the next squad announcement, but stressed the decision belongs to the player.

The market has already begun factoring in the possibility this could be a permanent split, and the ambiguous social-media post does little to suggest a quick resolution. Ronaldo, who helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles and holds five Ballon d'Or awards, will be 42 by the time the 2026 World Cup arrives — though he has shown little inclination to acknowledge any ceiling on his international ambitions.

For now, Portugal are top of their group, Ramos is scoring freely, and the squad publicly insists the captain is welcome back. The next move is Ronaldo's alone.

Frequently asked

Why did Ronaldo leave the Portugal squad?
Ronaldo walked out after being named as an unused substitute against Norway — reportedly angered at being asked to warm up and then not brought on — and then learning he would not start the Denmark match either. He has promised to explain his full reasons publicly at a later date.
How many goals has Ronaldo scored for Portugal?
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal — both world records for international football.
When are Portugal's next Nations League games?
Portugal host Denmark on 14 November, then travel to Wales on 17 November, in their final two Group A4 fixtures of this Nations League campaign.