Cristiano Ronaldo reignites Portugal tensions with Instagram like

Cristiano Ronaldo has intensified the dispute surrounding Portugal after endorsing an Instagram video defending him against coach Jorge Jesus. The Al-Nassr forward had already left the national-team camp early amid disagreements with the manager, and the public show of support has added to uncertainty over his relationship with the coaching staff and federation.

The 41-year-old captain remains Portugal’s record holder for international appearances and goals, with 234 caps and 146 goals. He has said he will explain the reasons for his departure from the camp, while questions remain over how long his international career will continue.

The video came from former Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo, who appeared on Brazilian television and sided with Ronaldo in the dispute. Melo described Ronaldo as the greatest player in Portuguese football and said he would only change his view if evidence showed that the forward had behaved disrespectfully. He also questioned why Ronaldo did not receive the same treatment in Portugal as Lionel Messi does with Argentina, arguing that the Portuguese squad should show its captain greater respect.

Melo also discussed Denmark striker Rasmus Højlund’s celebration after scoring in Portugal’s 4-2 defeat. Højlund copied Ronaldo’s trademark celebration before a heated exchange with Jesus at the final whistle. Ronaldo’s approval of those comments has made his position clearer, but his promised explanation is still to come.