Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team camp in Copenhagen following several turbulent days surrounding his role under head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old announced his decision Wednesday on social media, confirming that he departed after Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. Ronaldo did not disclose the specific reason behind the decision but said he intends to explain what happened to the Portuguese public at a later time.
Ronaldo also emphasized his longstanding commitment to Portugal and wished the national team and all of his teammates success following his departure.
The decision means Ronaldo will not be available for Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark in Copenhagen. His departure comes after growing uncertainty about his position in Jesus’ plans.
Ronaldo was an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday. Jesus later explained that the circumstances of the game led him not to use the veteran forward despite initially considering giving him minutes.
Ronaldo then did not train with the rest of the Portugal squad on Monday or Tuesday. The Portuguese Football Federation said he was working individually in the gym, with no physical problem reported as the reason for his absence from team training.
The situation became significant enough for Proença to travel to Copenhagen. Portuguese media reported discussions involving Ronaldo and Jesus as the federation attempted to address the situation surrounding the captain.
Jesus addressed the issue again Wednesday before Ronaldo announced his departure. The Portugal coach denied having a feud with Ronaldo and indicated that he was not planning to start him against Denmark.
Hours later, Ronaldo confirmed he was leaving.
The development comes shortly after Ronaldo publicly discussed the conditions under which he would eventually end his Portugal career. He recently explained that if the national team coach or federation president no longer wanted to rely on him, he would be prepared to leave rather than remain where he was no longer considered necessary.
Ronaldo has made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal since making his senior international debut in 2003. He is the men’s international record holder in both categories.
His international career has included Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo’s decision to leave the camp does not, at this stage, constitute an announcement of his retirement from international football. Reuters reported only that he has departed the current training camp, while Ronaldo himself said he will reveal the reasons behind that decision later.
Portugal must therefore continue its Nations League campaign without its captain while waiting for Ronaldo to provide his explanation for one of the most significant developments of his international career.
