Cristiano Ronaldo's international career may well be over, according to the striker's sister.

Elma Aveiro appeared at a book launch event on Wednesday, and was asked about the possibility of the 41-year-old returning to the Portugal setup.

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"It’s more likely a no than a yes," Aveiro revealed. "I think both [Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus] are hurt. It was a situation they experienced, not me, I’m speaking for my brother.

"I think it’s a situation that’s stalled, we’ll see what happens. I don’t know, it’s very complicated.

"When we’re betrayed, it’s very difficult to go back to normal."

Aveiro also added that she believes that Portugal's management team should be more grateful for her brother's contributions to the national team.

"My feeling is one of sadness because the Portuguese people unfortunately forget what has already been done and think that things should be done differently now. 

"I’m speechless, it’s very difficult to see my brother go through this. He is one of the people who least deserve this."

Retirement talk

Talk of retirement stems from a rift between Ronaldo and Jesus during the extended international break.

Jesus opted to leave Ronaldo on the bench during a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Norway last month.

The Al-Nassr striker was warming up for 30 minutes on the understanding he would play in the narrow away triumph.

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However, Ronaldo was overlooked by Jesus and, as a result, walked out of the team's training camp in Copenhagen ahead of the eventual 4-2 win in Denmark at the start of October.

The experienced forward subsequently released a 2000-word statement outlining his decision on why he walked out on the national team and demanded a public apology from Jesus, who is accused of breaking promises made to Ronaldo.

Why is Cristiano Ronaldo 'banned'?

While Ronaldo apologised to his teammates for his actions, the Portuguese Football Federation triggered an automatic suspension and investigation.

"The initiation of disciplinary proceedings against Cristiano Ronaldo, by deliberation of the Non-Professional Section, of October 9, 2026, with the purpose of the investigation of any disciplinary relevance of the facts participated on October 7," the FPF said in a statement.

"Without prejudice to the automatic preventive suspension to which he was subject until the date of establishment, the non-automatic preventive suspension of the player was determined and the urgent nature was attributed to the process."

With no time period set on the ban, however, Ronaldo is expected to be available for the Portugal national team for Nations League games against Denmark and Wales next month.

It does remain to be seen whether Jesus will turn to Ronaldo for the November international break.