Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp amid growing rift

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp before the meeting with Denmark, intensifying a dispute over his role under coach Jorge Jesus. The early departure, following his omission from the starting team against Norway, has also raised fresh doubts about the 41-year-old’s international future.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s leading men’s international scorer, with 146 goals in 232 appearances. However, his place in the team has been questioned since his 2022 move from Manchester United to Al-Nassr. His selection during the 2026 World Cup became a source of debate, and Portugal’s elimination by Spain in the last 16 added to the scrutiny. João Neves was later subjected to online abuse after describing Ronaldo as another player there to help the team.

Jesus began his tenure by starting Ronaldo against Wales in a 1-0 Nations League win, but substituted him after 67 minutes. Three days later, Ronaldo stayed on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory in Norway, his first complete omission from an official international match since Euro 2008. He went straight to the dressing room afterwards rather than joining teammates in greeting supporters.

Ronaldo then missed Portugal’s training session in Malmö, completing individual work at the team hotel instead. Jesus had planned to start Gonçalo Ramos against Denmark, with Ronaldo potentially appearing from the bench. After the coach stressed that team decisions belonged to him, Ronaldo left the stadium and later confirmed his departure from the camp.