Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team training camp in Copenhagen after a meeting with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, just one day before the team’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain confirmed his departure on Wednesday, September 30, saying he had made the decision after the national team coach Jorge Jesus held a press conference and following his conversation with Proença.
Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons for his departure at a later time, without providing further details in his initial statement.
Ronaldo confirms departure from Portugal camp
Ronaldo announced his decision through a statement on social media after a day of uncertainty surrounding his status within the Portugal squad.
He said he had decided to leave the national team camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president.
The forward also indicated that he would eventually explain his reasons for leaving, while wishing Portugal and his teammates success.
The announcement came shortly after reports that Ronaldo had left Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium in a federation vehicle and did not participate in Portugal’s final training session before the Denmark match. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that he had not taken part in the session.
Dispute reports emerge after Norway match
Ronaldo’s departure follows several days of developments surrounding his role in the Portugal team.
The forward was an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday. Jesus had indicated before the match that Ronaldo could feature, but ultimately did not bring him onto the pitch.
Ronaldo subsequently trained away from the main group, undertaking gym work on Monday and Tuesday despite there being no reported injury preventing him from playing.
The situation generated reports of tension between Ronaldo and Jesus, although the coach initially rejected suggestions that there was a serious dispute.
Speaking before Wednesday’s training session, Jesus said Ronaldo had not refused to train and insisted that there was no incident between them.
Jesus also said Ronaldo had told him he would accept whatever decision the coach made regarding whether he played or was left out of the squad.
Ronaldo’s departure follows Jesus’ latest comments
The circumstances changed after Jesus addressed reporters on Wednesday.
According to Reuters, Ronaldo’s departure came after the coach’s press conference and a subsequent conversation involving Proença. Reuters reported that Ronaldo left the stadium shortly after Jesus spoke to the media.
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed Ronaldo’s departure but has indicated that preparations for the upcoming fixtures will continue with the remaining players.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday in their Nations League campaign.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer
Ronaldo’s departure is significant because of his longstanding role in Portuguese football.
He is Portugal’s most-capped men’s international player and its record goalscorer, with 234 appearances and 146 goals, according to reporting from Reuters and other established outlets.
Ronaldo had only recently reaffirmed his intention to continue representing Portugal.
Earlier in September, he said he had considered retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup but decided to remain available because he believed he could still contribute to the national team.
He also said he would decide when to end his international career based on whether he felt he was still able to contribute.
That recent declaration makes his latest departure from the training camp particularly notable, although there has been no official announcement that Ronaldo has retired from international football.
Portugal’s Nations League campaign continues
Portugal entered the current Nations League fixtures under new head coach Jorge Jesus, who took over following Roberto Martínez’s departure after the World Cup.
The defending Nations League champions began the current campaign with victories over Wales and Norway.
Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 in their opening match, with Ronaldo starting the game before being substituted in the 67th minute. They subsequently defeated Norway 2-1, although Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout that match.
Before his departure, Portugal had six points from two matches and were leading their Nations League group, according to The Guardian. Denmark and Norway were both three points behind, while Wales had yet to record a point.
What happens next?
The immediate focus is Portugal’s Nations League fixture against Denmark.
Ronaldo’s departure means Portugal will prepare for the match without their captain, while the circumstances surrounding his exit remain subject to further clarification.
For now, Ronaldo has not publicly provided a detailed explanation beyond saying that he will reveal the reasons behind his decision in due course.
Reports of a disagreement with Jesus remain part of the surrounding media coverage, but the precise circumstances that led Ronaldo to leave the camp have not been fully explained by the player or the Portuguese Football Federation.
Any assessment of Ronaldo’s longer-term future with Portugal will therefore depend on further statements from the player, the federation and the coaching staff.
For Portugal, the immediate task is to continue its Nations League campaign. For Ronaldo, attention is likely to remain on what he eventually says about his decision to leave the squad.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Reuters — Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp amid reports of a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus.
- Associated Press/The Guardian — Ronaldo’s absence from Portugal training and developments surrounding his role in the squad.
- RTE — Ronaldo’s continued international career and his decision to remain with Portugal after the World Cup.
- The Irish Times — Ronaldo’s decision to continue his Portugal career and his 234th international appearance.
