Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal national team camp following benching

Cristiano Ronaldo has departed the Portugal national team’s training camp after being informed he would not start in the upcoming Nations League match against Denmark. The 41-year-old forward confirmed his exit via social media, stating he intends to explain his reasons “in due time.”

Key details

• •According to Deutsche Welle and World Soccer Talk, coach Jorge Jesus told reporters that Ronaldo would remain on the bench for the Denmark fixture.
• •The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed Ronaldo's departure and stated that the delegation remains focused on upcoming matches, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
• •While media outlets have reported a rift between the player and the coach, Jorge Jesus denied any major personal dispute, asserting that his coaching authority remains absolute, per World Soccer Talk and Al Jazeera.
• •Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway, marking the first time in roughly 18 years he had been benched for an entire competitive match, according to World Soccer Talk.

Background

Ronaldo started in Portugal's 1-0 win against Wales last week but was substituted in the 67th minute. Following his exclusion from the lineup against Norway, he reportedly missed team training before choosing to leave the camp entirely.

Why it matters

It remains unclear whether Ronaldo’s departure will extend beyond the current international break or if he will face further disciplinary action. The forward is next scheduled to play for Al-Nassr against Al-Diriyah on October 9, 2026, in Saudi Arabia.