Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure from Portugal's international training camp on Wednesday, stating he would reveal the circumstances behind his exit at a later date. The announcement came after head coach Jorge Jesus had publicly denied any conflict with the 41-year-old captain, despite reports that Ronaldo had declined to participate in training sessions.
Ronaldo was included in Jesus' 25-man squad for the current international break and started Portugal's opening Nations League fixture against Wales. He remained on the bench during the team's 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo on Sunday, and notably did not join his team-mates in acknowledging the visiting supporters after the final whistle. Instead, the Al-Nassr forward walked directly to the changing rooms, sparking speculation about his relationship with the newly appointed manager.
In his statement posted to Instagram, Ronaldo wrote:
"After the press conference of the national team and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team training camp. In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave."He concluded by wishing his team-mates success in their upcoming matches.
What did the coach say about the situation?
Jesus addressed the controversy before Portugal's Nations League encounter with Denmark on Thursday, stating that no incident had occurred between him and his captain. He explained that any player would naturally be disappointed after spending 20 or 30 minutes warming up without entering the match. Jesus confirmed he had informed Ronaldo before the Norway game that he would not start but might be introduced later, though he ultimately decided against bringing him on.
"Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about,"Jesus said. The former Benfica manager also rejected claims that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, clarifying instead that the forward had performed individual exercises focused on mobility and strengthening, with plans to rejoin the group session on Wednesday.
What happened on Wednesday?
Despite Jesus's assurances, Ronaldo did not train with his team-mates in Denmark. Portuguese media outlets published video footage showing him departing Parken stadium alongside two members of the coaching staff. According to reports from a major sports outlet, Ronaldo had not practised with the team since the Norway match, instead conducting gym work. The Portuguese Football Federation's president, Pedro Proença, travelled to Copenhagen and held meetings with both Ronaldo and Jesus on Wednesday, suggesting efforts to resolve the disagreement.
Why is Ronaldo still playing for Portugal?
Ronaldo had contemplated retiring from international football following the World Cup in summer 2026 but chose to continue his career with the national team. He is pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals across all competitions, a target that has motivated him to remain available for Portugal. In July, Ronaldo indicated that the 2026 World Cup would be his final tournament for the national team, though he has not formally announced a retirement date from international football.
Who will replace Ronaldo against Denmark?
Goncalo Ramos, the AC Milan striker, scored the decisive goal in Portugal's victory over Norway and has been selected as Jesus's preferred option in attack. Jesus stated before the Denmark match that Ramos would again start ahead of Ronaldo, adding that
"If I need [Ronaldo], he'll come on. If I don't need him, he won't."With Ronaldo now absent from the camp, Ramos will lead the attack.
What happens next for Portugal?
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on October 1, followed by a home fixture against Norway on October 4. Ronaldo's departure means Portugal will compete in Thursday's Nations League match against Denmark without their captain and most decorated player. The circumstances surrounding his exit and his potential availability for future matches remain unclear pending his promised explanation.
Key Facts
- Ronaldo left Portugal's training camp after a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, pledging to explain his reasons publicly at a later time
- Head coach Jorge Jesus denied any rift with Ronaldo, attributing the situation to normal disappointment over limited playing time in the Norway match
- Ronaldo has not trained with the team since Sunday's match in Oslo, instead conducting individual gym sessions for mobility and strengthening
- The federation president met with both Ronaldo and Jesus on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to resolve the disagreement
- Portugal face Denmark on October 1 and Norway on October 4 in their upcoming Nations League fixtures
