Why Isn’t Cristiano Ronaldo Starting Against Norway?

Cristiano Ronaldo will start on the bench for Portugal’s match against Norway on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League. Jorge Jesus’ decision is primarily based on workload management and squad rotation after the captain started against Wales just three days ago.

Jorge Jesus Had Already Suggested Ronaldo Could Be Rested

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the starting lineup does not come as a surprise.

One day before the match in Oslo, Jorge Jesus publicly acknowledged that he still needed to assess the 41-year-old forward’s physical condition before deciding whether he would start. The coach pointed out that Ronaldo no longer has the same recovery capacity as some of the younger players in the squad.

“I spoke with him today. I’m going to see how he feels, whether he starts or begins on the bench,” Jesus explained during his pre-match press conference.

The coach also used João Neves as an example, noting that a 20-year-old player can respond differently when asked to play matches separated by only a few days.

Cristiano Ronaldo Started Against Wales

Cristiano Ronaldo was in the starting lineup for Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Wales last Thursday, although he was substituted during the second half after playing around 65 minutes.

Now, with another demanding match coming just three days later, Jorge Jesus has decided to manage his captain’s workload.

A Bola reported Sunday that Gonçalo Ramos was the preferred option to lead the attack against Norway, with Cristiano Ronaldo beginning the match on the bench.

The decision does not mean the captain has permanently lost his place in the starting lineup. Cristiano Ronaldo remains available to come into the match and his absence from the XI is part of Portugal’s workload management during a particularly demanding international window.

With Erling Haaland on the other side, the highly anticipated matchup between the two prolific goalscorers will have to wait — at least until the second half.

Cristiano Ronaldo starts on the bench against Norway after starting against Wales three days earlier.
Jorge Jesus had already explained that he would evaluate the 41-year-old forward’s recovery before deciding whether he would start.
Gonçalo Ramos is the alternative to lead Portugal’s attack from the opening whistle.