Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp After Tensions With Jorge Jesus
Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark after a tense sequence of events involving national team coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo confirmed his departure on September 30, 2026, saying he made the decision after Jesus’s press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proenca. He said he would explain the reasons for his departure at a later stage.
Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp before Denmark match
The decision came one day before Portugal face Denmark in the UEFA Nations League in Copenhagen.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure and said preparations for the upcoming matches would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football, and the federation has not said that his departure from the current camp is permanent.
What did Ronaldo say?
Ronaldo said on Instagram that he decided to leave after the national team manager’s press conference and a conversation with federation president Pedro Proenca.
He said he would explain the reasons behind his decision in due course and wished Portugal and his teammates well.
He did not provide further details about the disagreement.
Tensions with Jorge Jesus
The situation developed after Portugal’s 2-1 away win over Norway on Sunday.
Jesus had told Ronaldo he would come off the bench during the match but ultimately decided not to use him.
Ronaldo then worked in the gym rather than with the squad on Monday and Tuesday despite not being reported injured.
Jesus later acknowledged that Ronaldo had been angry with him over the Norway match, although the coach said he considered the matter resolved.
Did Ronaldo refuse to train?
Jesus denied reports that Ronaldo had refused to take part in training.
Before Wednesday’s session, the coach said Ronaldo was expected to train with the squad.
The session eventually began after a brief delay without Ronaldo, and the forward subsequently confirmed his departure from the camp.
What happens next for Portugal?
Portugal will now prepare for the match against Denmark without its long-time captain and record goalscorer.
The episode also represents an early test for Jesus, who replaced Roberto Martinez as Portugal coach following the World Cup.
The team is also scheduled to face Norway again on Sunday.
Ronaldo’s record with Portugal
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer with 146 international goals and the country’s most-capped player with 234 appearances.
Profile News has previously tracked Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal record and career milestones.
Is Ronaldo’s international career over?
There is currently no confirmation that Ronaldo has ended his international career.
His departure applies to the current camp, while the precise reasons behind the decision have yet to be fully explained.
The focus now shifts to Ronaldo’s promised explanation and whether the disagreement with Jesus can be resolved before Portugal’s next international window.
