Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has explained Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent absence from the national team, saying the decision was linked to a workload-management plan previously discussed with the veteran forward.
The explanation came amid growing attention surrounding Ronaldo’s limited involvement in Portugal’s Nations League campaign. The 41-year-old captain was left on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway and later missed team training in Copenhagen ahead of the match against Denmark.
Jesus said the original plan was to manage Ronaldo’s participation across the international window rather than use him in every match. However, the situation became more complicated after Ronaldo subsequently left Portugal’s training camp.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) confirmed that Ronaldo departed the team’s camp in Copenhagen on September 30, although it did not provide a detailed explanation for his departure.
Jesus Says Ronaldo’s Absence Was Part of an Agreed Plan
Jesus said he had discussed Ronaldo’s workload with the player before the Nations League fixtures.
According to the Portugal coach, he created a plan for Ronaldo similar to one developed for Bruno Fernandes, taking into account the forward’s physical condition and the demanding schedule of international football.
Jesus explained that Ronaldo had been expected to start one of the matches during the international window while being rested for others.
The coach said he was familiar with Ronaldo’s physical requirements after previously working with him at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. He argued that managing Ronaldo’s workload was not an attempt to marginalise the captain but part of his responsibility as head coach.
The explanation was particularly relevant after Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway.
Earlier reports indicated that Jesus had initially considered introducing Ronaldo during the second half. However, the performance of Gonçalo Ramos and the circumstances of the match led him to maintain the original attacking setup.
Ronaldo Was Left on the Bench Against Norway
Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in the Nations League, with Gonçalo Ramos playing a central role in the victory.
Ramos scored for Portugal and remained on the pitch as Jesus decided not to introduce Ronaldo despite the captain having warmed up.
Jesus later said the match itself influenced his decision.
The coach explained that he had considered bringing Ronaldo on for approximately 30 minutes but ultimately concluded that the circumstances of the match did not require the substitution.
The decision attracted significant attention because Ronaldo has been one of the defining figures of Portuguese international football for almost two decades.
It was also unusual in the context of his long international career for him to remain an unused substitute during a competitive match for Portugal.
Jesus Denies a Dispute With Ronaldo
As speculation grew around Ronaldo’s relationship with the new Portugal coach, Jesus repeatedly rejected the suggestion that there was an established dispute between them.
Jesus said Ronaldo had not refused to train and maintained that the player had followed an individual physical programme.
The coach also stressed that Ronaldo’s reputation and status would not prevent him from making sporting decisions based on what he believed was best for the team.
Jesus has emphasised that being Portugal captain and one of the most accomplished players in international football does not remove the coach’s authority to select the team.
The coach’s explanation was that Ronaldo’s status deserved respect, but team selection remained his responsibility.
Ronaldo Later Leaves Portugal’s Training Camp
The situation took a new turn on September 30 when Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen.
Reuters reported that Ronaldo’s international future had become uncertain following his departure, which came shortly after Jesus addressed questions about the player at a press conference. Ronaldo had also missed Portugal’s team training session.
The FPF confirmed Ronaldo’s departure but did not publicly give a detailed reason.
According to the federation, Portugal’s preparations for its upcoming fixtures would continue with the remaining members of the squad.
Ronaldo also announced his decision through social media after speaking with FPF president Pedro Proença. He indicated that he would explain more about the circumstances at a later time.
That development has added a new dimension to what initially appeared to be a straightforward decision about managing the veteran forward’s playing time.
Why the Situation Has Attracted Attention
Ronaldo remains one of the most significant figures in Portugal’s football history.
His long association with the national team means decisions concerning his playing time inevitably attract considerable attention, particularly when they involve a new head coach.
Jesus was appointed Portugal coach in 2026 and has begun establishing his approach to squad selection and player management.
The coach has made clear that his decisions will be based on the requirements of individual matches and the overall needs of the team.
For Ronaldo, meanwhile, the situation comes at an important stage of his international career. His departure from the camp has generated questions about his immediate involvement with Portugal, although the available official information does not establish that he has retired from international football.
Reports suggesting a definitive end to his Portugal career therefore remain distinct from confirmed information.
Portugal’s Next Challenge
Portugal’s attention now turns to its Nations League commitments, with the team scheduled to face Denmark.
Jesus has continued preparing the squad despite the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo.
The FPF said the rest of the delegation remained focused on the upcoming matches and the objectives set for the national team.
The coach’s comments also indicate that selection decisions will continue to depend on match circumstances rather than the reputation of individual players.
For Portugal, maintaining results while managing an ageing but historically important squad is likely to remain an important part of the team’s development under Jesus.
What Happens Next for Ronaldo?
The immediate question is whether Ronaldo will return to the Portugal squad for future international fixtures and how his relationship with Jesus develops.
At present, the FPF has confirmed his departure from the current training camp but has not announced an international retirement.
Ronaldo himself has indicated that he intends to provide further information about his decision, meaning some details surrounding the episode remain unresolved.
Until further statements are made by Ronaldo, the FPF or Jesus, claims about the long-term consequences of the dispute should be treated cautiously.
What is established is that Ronaldo’s absence began with a workload and selection decision explained by Jesus as part of a previously discussed plan. The situation then escalated into Ronaldo leaving the national-team camp after further discussions involving the player, the coach and the federation leadership.
For Portugal, the focus now shifts to its competitive fixtures and the management of the squad. For Ronaldo, the next public explanation may provide greater clarity about why he left the camp and what he intends to do next with the national team.
The episode illustrates the difficulty of managing the final stages of a legendary international career while a new coach attempts to establish his authority and sporting philosophy.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Reuters — reporting on Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Portugal’s training camp and Jorge Jesus’ comments.
- Portuguese Football Federation information reported by EFE on Ronaldo’s departure and the continuation of Portugal’s preparations.
- Al Jazeera/Reuters — reporting on Ronaldo’s missed training and Jesus’ explanation.
- The Guardian/Associated Press — reporting on Ronaldo’s absence and the questions surrounding his relationship with Jesus.
- TNT Sports — reporting on Jesus’ explanation for Ronaldo remaining on the bench against Norway.
