Ronaldo exits Portugal camp after benching dispute with Jesus
Cristiano Ronaldo has abruptly left the Portugal national team camp in Copenhagen, ending his participation in the current UEFA Nations League window. The 41-year-old striker departed after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed he would not start him in the upcoming match against Denmark. Ronaldo had previously been benched in a 2-1 victory over Norway, a decision he reportedly viewed as a humiliation. Jesus insisted there was no rift, attributing the situation to tactical decisions, while Ronaldo promised to reveal the full reasons for his departure later. The Portuguese Football Federation faces a disciplinary decision regarding his unauthorized absence, with potential suspensions and fines under FPF rules.
Key points
- Ronaldo left the Portugal camp in Copenhagen after Jesus confirmed he would not start him against Denmark.
- Ronaldo was benched in the 2-1 win over Norway, with Goncalo Ramos scoring the game-winning goal.
- Jesus stated that no player, including Ronaldo, can influence his tactical decisions.
- Ronaldo promised to reveal the full reasons for his departure in the future.
- The Portuguese Football Federation may impose a one-to-six-month suspension and fines for unauthorized absence.
Background
Ronaldo had previously indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his last international tournament but later changed his mind after a conversation with Jorge Jesus, vowing to lead a new generation as he pursues 1,000 career goals with Al Nassr. He currently stands at 979 career goals. Last season, Ronaldo and Al Nassr won the Saudi Pro League title with Jesus as their coach before Jesus departed to take the Portugal national team job. Portugal is currently defending its 2024-25 Nations League title.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports emphasizes the 'bizarre U-turn' in Ronaldo's decision and highlights the tension between the player and coach, noting that Jesus 'poured cold water' on reports of a rift but Ronaldo 'collected that water and dumped it into a cauldron.' The Los Angeles Times provides a detailed timeline of events, noting that Ronaldo was sent to warm up for 30 minutes during the Norway match but did not play, and that Jesus admitted any player would be upset about such a situation. Both sources agree on the core facts but differ in their framing of the conflict, with NBC Sports focusing on the personal dynamic and the LA Times on the procedural and tactical aspects.
Why it matters
Ronaldo's departure creates a significant disruption for Portugal's squad ahead of their final Nations League fixture and raises questions about the future of the all-time great's international career. The incident also highlights the tension between a star player and a new coach, with potential disciplinary consequences for Ronaldo under FPF rules. Portugal's ability to perform without Ronaldo will be tested in upcoming matches, including a 4-2 win over Denmark where Goncalo Ramos scored again.
What to watch
Portugal will play Norway again on Sunday in Porto, Portugal. Ronaldo is expected to play in Al Nassr's next game on October 9 against Al-Diriyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese Football Federation will decide on disciplinary action against Ronaldo, with potential suspensions and fines. Ronaldo has promised to reveal the full reasons for his departure in the future.
- Unused sub Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal national team NBC Sports
- Real Madrid boss Mourinho labels Cristiano Ronaldo comments ‘fake’ Yahoo Sports
- Jesus, FPF chief fail in airport bid to stop Ronaldo leaving Portugal camp, Marca reports Reuters
- Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp after ‘crisis’ meeting - The Athletic The New York Times
- Cristiano Ronaldo's future with Portugal in question after star player leaves camp. Here's how we got here Los Angeles Times
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