A bitter ending may be looming for Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, the Portugal captain’s departure from the national team camp could accelerate the end of his international career, which has included 234 appearances since his debut in 2003.
Was it a temporary outburst or the beginning of the end? The Portuguese forward left the national team camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday, one day before the Nations League match against Denmark, against the backdrop of tensions with coach Jorge Jesus.
For now, Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr, has not announced the end of his international career. His sudden departure, however, has raised questions about what comes next for him with the Portugal national team.
The tension first emerged on Sunday in Oslo after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match before heading straight to the dressing room at the final whistle without greeting the supporters.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Jorge Jesus sought to play down the episode while reaffirming his authority over the squad.
“Status does not give you rights,” he said, making clear that decisions over the team selection were his responsibility.
Risk of suspension
A few hours later, however, the captain left the national team camp and flew to Madrid aboard his private jet.
According to Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre, who is described as close to the player and was quoted by Portuguese media, Ronaldo reportedly felt “betrayed” by Jorge Jesus, whom he allegedly blamed for failing to keep his commitments.
The affair has grown to such proportions that Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro reportedly spoke with the coach on Wednesday, according to several local media outlets.
Ronaldo’s departure could also have disciplinary consequences.
Under the Portuguese Football Federation’s regulations, a player who leaves a training session or match without justification can be suspended for between one and six months and fined.
Beyond any potential sanction, however, the main question now concerns Ronaldo’s future with Portugal.
“CR7 turns his back on the national team,” “End of the story, Ronaldo says goodbye to Portugal” and “Ronaldo leaves after clash with Jesus” were among the headlines used by Portuguese newspapers as the story gained widespread attention.
Sports daily A Bola described the situation as a “sad farewell”, publishing a photograph of Ronaldo from behind wearing the red No. 7 shirt.
“A very sad ending”
“Copenhagen has given this story a very sad ending. The storm that erupted within the squad ended with an image far removed from what should have been prepared long ago: a departure celebrated and accompanied by thanks from his teammates and the Portuguese people,” the newspaper wrote in an opinion piece.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record holder for both appearances and goals, with 234 caps and 146 goals. Since making his international debut in 2003, he has won Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 editions of the Nations League.
At 41, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has therefore not announced his international retirement for now. His abrupt departure, however, on the eve of an official match represents another development in his increasingly tense relationship with the coach.
Portugal must now prepare for its future without CR7. Rafael Leao already appears with Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 on UEFA’s official website ahead of Thursday’s match against Denmark in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo, who recently said this season would “probably” be the final one of his career, has promised to explain the reasons behind his departure.
His next statements should help clarify his future with the Seleçao.
