Whether this also marks the end of Ronaldo’s more than two-decade-long international career remains unclear. Portugal’s record appearance-maker has not announced his retirement, while the statement he promised on Instagram regarding the reasons behind his decision has left plenty of questions unanswered.
Ronaldo loses his place in the starting XI
The new era under Jorge Jesus had initially begun without too much controversy. Ronaldo started Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales in their Nations League opener. Four days later, however, Jesus made several changes for the difficult away match in Norway, with Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix among those preferred in attack.
Portugal won 2-1 in Oslo, while Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire match. It was the first time since 2008 that he had been an available substitute in a competitive Portugal fixture without making an appearance. After the final whistle, Ronaldo headed straight towards the dressing room and did not join his teammates in acknowledging the travelling supporters.
Jesus later explained that he had considered bringing Ronaldo on, but felt the match required different qualities. He was particularly pleased with the defensive work and pressing contributions of Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix.
Jesus: “If I need him, he comes on”
The situation became increasingly tense over the following days. Ronaldo did not take part in full team training and instead worked individually. Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, even changed his travel plans and travelled to Scandinavia to speak with Ronaldo and Jesus.
At his press conference ahead of the Denmark match on Wednesday, Jesus attempted to play down the growing debate. He said that he and Ronaldo had already agreed beforehand to manage the 41-year-old’s workload during the four-match international window. According to the coach, Ronaldo had not originally been expected to start either the away game in Norway or the meeting with Denmark.
At the same time, Jesus made the hierarchy clear. Gonçalo Ramos would start against Denmark. As for Ronaldo, he said: “If I need him, he comes on. If I don’t need him, he doesn’t come on.” The special status of his captain, Jesus suggested, meant respect for an extraordinary career, but not sporting privileges.
Shortly afterwards, Ronaldo once again missed team training despite the coach’s earlier comments and left the stadium. His departure from the national-team camp followed soon after.
Ronaldo promises an explanation
Ronaldo confirmed his decision himself on Instagram. Following the coach’s press conference and a conversation with federation president Proença, he said he had decided to leave the camp. He did not disclose the exact reasons, instead promising to explain his side of the story to the Portuguese public at a later stage.
He finished by wishing Portugal and his teammates success in the upcoming matches. The federation responded with a brief statement confirming only that Ronaldo had left and that preparations would continue with the remaining 24 players.
Only a few days earlier, Ronaldo had publicly delivered a very different message. Before the Wales match, he said he would accept any decision made by Jesus – whether he started, came on as a substitute or remained on the bench. He added that if he ever felt he was no longer needed, he would pack his bags himself. At the same time, he described Jesus as the right man to lead Portugal.
Is this the end for Ronaldo with Portugal?
Those comments have added further weight to the current situation. Ronaldo has not announced his retirement, but there is growing debate in Portugal over whether the events in Copenhagen could bring his international career to an end. The 41-year-old has now made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for his country, helping Portugal win Euro 2016 as well as the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
According to Portuguese media reports, Ronaldo is said to feel betrayed by the situation and currently views his decision as final. That has not been officially confirmed by either the player or the federation. Speculation is therefore increasing over whether his time with the national team may now be over.
There could also be a disciplinary element to the case. The regulations of the Portuguese federation provide for a suspension of between one and six months for an unjustified departure from a national-team camp. Whether Ronaldo’s exit will be classified in that way, and whether any proceedings will follow, remains unclear.
Portugal must now focus on sporting matters without their long-time captain. After victories over Wales and Norway, the defending champions lead their Nations League group with six points. An away match against Denmark is next, followed by a home meeting with Norway on Sunday – with one major question hanging over everything: will Cristiano Ronaldo ever wear the Portugal shirt again?
