Copenhagen: Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has abruptly left the national team’s training camp ahead of a crucial UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old footballer shared an emotional and intriguing message on social media after leaving the camp, saying he would reveal the real reasons behind his decision to leave the team to the people of Portugal when the time was right.
Ronaldo reportedly made the decision after a lengthy conversation with Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proenca and a press conference by head coach Jorge Jesus on Wednesday.
In a post on Instagram, Ronaldo said he had decided to leave the national team’s training camp after the coach’s press conference and his conversation with the federation president. He said he would reveal the facts that led to his departure from the national team, which he had always served with full commitment, to the people of Portugal at an appropriate time. He ended the message by wishing his teammates and the Portugal team well.
Disagreement over Ronaldo’s playing time
A disagreement between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus is being cited as the main reason behind the sudden development.
Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 on Sunday, but Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match. Although the coach had reportedly indicated that Ronaldo would be brought on in the second half, he ultimately did not play.
Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy with the decision and did not take part in regular team training on Monday and Tuesday, instead spending time in the gym.
At a press conference in Copenhagen on Wednesday, Jorge Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo was disappointed about not playing against Norway, but said there was no personal disagreement between the two.
However, Jesus publicly stated that he was the head coach and that Ronaldo would not be part of the starting XI against Denmark and would again remain on the bench.
Within hours of the conversation and press conference, Ronaldo reportedly left the stadium in a Portugal federation vehicle and departed the Copenhagen camp on his private aircraft.
Questions over Ronaldo’s international future
Ronaldo’s departure has raised questions about whether the development could signal the end of his long international career.
Ronaldo has played 234 international matches for Portugal and scored 146 goals. He is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer and holds the record for most appearances.
He has also won the UEFA Euro 2016 title and the UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 with Portugal.
Ronaldo recently hinted that the 2026 season could be the final year of his professional football career. However, he has not officially announced his retirement.
Portugal are preparing to face Denmark in the Nations League without Ronaldo.