Les eight demands Ronaldo set for Jorge Jesus include Pelé‑level mistake

On 6 October 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo issued a written brief to Portugal manager Jorge Jesus, outlining eight specific points he expected the coach to address in the next press conference. The sixth point, which he described as the climax of the document, reads: “I made a mistake by putting someone of the stature of Pelé or Maradona on to warm up and then not putting him in the game. If it were today I would not do it.”

Eight‑point brief sent ahead of Denmark match

Ronaldo said the list was validated after a video meeting that also involved his adviser Tiago Craveiro and Al‑Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho. He claimed Jesus had previously agreed to the eight points before Portugal’s fixture in Denmark.

The brief touches on Ronaldo’s long service – 24 years and more than 230 caps – and his influence on the national side, praising his loyalty and professionalism while demanding the coach acknowledge the warm‑up incident in Norway where Ronaldo was not used.

Coach’s alleged breach and Ronaldo’s reaction

Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word a second time by failing to raise the eight points in the press conference, prompting the forward to leave the training camp without waiting for any further breach.

Ronaldo confronts Jesus, citing Pelé and Maradona after bench snub

He also criticised the tone of the coach’s remarks, describing them as “aggressive” and “an attitude of ‘I want, I can and I command’” that he had not witnessed in private the day before.

Media speculation on further demands

French outlet “20 Minutes” imagined additional, even more extravagant demands that Ronaldo could have imposed, ranging from references to Portugal’s 22 million Instagram followers to comparisons with historic explorers Vasco da Gama and Magellan.

Ronaldo rebukes Jorge Jesus as he likens himself to Pelé and Maradona

While those imagined points were not part of Ronaldo’s actual brief, the speculation underscores the perceived magnitude of his ego and the public fascination with his relationship with the national team.