JuicyTalk
Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally left the Portugal camp after reports of a rift with manager Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo’s international future is now in serious doubt, with the 41-year-old indicating in a statement that he will reveal more about the circumstances around his departure in due course.
But just how did the situation get to a point where Portugal’s captain, most legendary player, record goalscorer and record appearance maker has left in such controversial circumstances?
Here is the timeline of how CR7’s Portugal fallout unfolded.
Ronaldo and Portugal: How the crisis unfolded
Ronaldo’s Portugal future appeared settled just one week ago.
The 41-year-old had publicly revealed that he had considered retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup, but said a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca and new head coach Jorge Jesus had convinced him to continue.
Seven days later, Ronaldo has left Portugal’s training camp after a dramatic breakdown in relations with Jesus.
7 July — Ronaldo leaves the World Cup without committing to Portugal
Portugal were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Spain. After the match, Roberto Martínez announced his departure as Portugal manager.
Ronaldo was asked about his own international future but refused to make an immediate decision.
“Now is not the time to make that decision,” he said. He did, however, confirm that the 2026 tournament would be his final World Cup.
10 July — Jorge Jesus takes over
Jorge Jesus was appointed Portugal head coach three days later. The former Al Nassr boss already knew Ronaldo well, having coached him in Saudi Arabia.
Jesus immediately made clear that Ronaldo would not receive special treatment. “Cris will never be a problem, either for the Seleção or for me,” Jesus said.
“I had the pleasure of working with him for a year. When I thought he should play, he played. When I thought he shouldn’t play, he didn’t. I’ll do what I think is best for the Seleção.”
18 September — Ronaldo is selected
Jesus announced his first Portugal squad for the Nations League and Ronaldo was included, with his international career looking poised to continue under former Al-Nassr boss Jesus
23 September — Ronaldo confirms he is staying
Speaking at the Portugal Football Summit in Oeiras, Ronaldo admitted that he had considered leaving the national team immediately after the World Cup.
But he revealed that conversations with Proenca and Jesus changed his mind.
“Yes, I considered [leaving the national team after the World Cup]. I’m always thinking about my decisions, my future, my present. I’m a thinker. I have to think about everything,” Ronaldo said.
Then came the clearest confirmation of his intentions. “That’s why you see me here now. It means I’m going to continue.”
Ronaldo explained why he had chosen to stay.
“I had a conversation with our president and our coach. They count on me. I still believe I can help the national team achieve what they want.”
He was also highly complimentary of Jesus, describing him as “the perfect choice” for Portugal.
24 September – Ronaldo starts against Wales
Ronaldo started Portugal’s Nations League campaign against Wales in Lisbon but endured a frustrating evening, missing two huge chances as his Al-Nassr team-mate Joao Felix scored the winner.
The appearance came just one day after his public confirmation that he intended to continue playing for the national team.
27 September – Ronaldo is left on the bench against Norway
Three days later, the situation changed dramatically. Portugal travelled to Oslo to face Norway as Jesus selected João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos in attack, leaving Ronaldo on the bench.
Ronaldo did warm up during the second half, but the substitution never came. He remained an unused substitute as Portugal won 2-1, with Ramos scoring the winning goal.
27 September – Ronaldo heads straight to the dressing room
The situation attracted further attention after the final whistle.
While Portugal’s players acknowledged the travelling supporters, Ronaldo headed towards the dressing room.
28-29 September – Ronaldo trains away from the group
Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal’s normal group training sessions on the following days.
The FPF maintained that he had no physical problem and that he was working individually in the gym.
29 September – Portugal chief changes his plans
The situation had become serious enough for FPF president Pedro Proença to change his plans and travel to Copenhagen.
Proença was due to meet Ronaldo and Jesus as Portugal prepared for their next Nations League fixture.
The development was particularly significant given Ronaldo’s comments just six days earlier, when he had said that both Proença and Jesus counted on him.
30 September – Jesus insists there is no problem
With Portugal preparing to face Denmark, Jesus attempted to calm the situation. “He didn’t refuse. He’s going to train today,” Jesus said.
“It’s the fourth day, so he’s going to train. And he didn’t refuse to train. It’s impossible. Do you believe that? Not Cris.”
Jesus also said that he had been forced to speak to Ronaldo about an issue that, in his view, did not exist.
“They forced me to talk to Cris about an issue that didn’t exist. There was nothing to talk about.”
According to Jesus, Ronaldo had told him: “I’m here for you to decide. If you want me to play, I’ll play. If you want me to go to the stands, I’ll go.”
30 September – Ronaldo leaves the Portugal camp
The situation then escalated dramatically. After Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Proenca, Ronaldo decided to leave Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen.
Ronaldo said he would explain his reasons at a later date.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons behind my departure from the national team, to which I have always been fully committed.”
The FPF subsequently confirmed that Ronaldo had left the camp.
