Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp as team reaches Nations League quarter-finals

Camp departure and tactical tensions

Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal squad on Wednesday, 30 September, one day prior to a 4-2 away victory against Denmark in Copenhagen. The departure followed a 2-1 win over Norway on 27 September, during which the 41-year-old forward remained an unused substitute despite reportedly expecting a 30-minute appearance. Following a press conference where head coach Jorge Jesus announced that Goncalo Ramos would start against Denmark, Ronaldo left the squad and stated on social media that he would explain the reasons behind his decision in due time. The 72-year-old manager, who previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi club Al-Nassr, rejected calls to apologize for the benching and defended his rotation policy.

I can promise whatever I want and not keep my word. I am the coach. I told the player that he would not play. I am taking you to the bench. But if I need you for 30 minutes, you will play. If I do not need you, you will not play. No player will ever be able to force me to change my mind.

Victory in Porto secures knockout spot

Without Ronaldo in the lineup, Portugal secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Norway at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto on Sunday evening. Kristoffer Ajer opened the scoring for Norway in the 36th minute, but Joao Cancelo equalized for the hosts two minutes later. Ramos scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute, registering his third goal in three consecutive international matches. Portugal defended their lead despite midfielder Francisco Conceicao receiving a red card in the 86th minute, though portions of the home crowd whistled and booed when Jesus was shown on the stadium screens.

Group standings and federation response

Sunday's result completed a run of four consecutive victories in Group A4 for Portugal, who previously defeated Wales 1-0, Norway 2-1, and Denmark 4-2. The Portuguese team leads the group with 12 points, ahead of Denmark on six points and Wales and Norway with three points each. Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca sought to calm tensions by describing the incident as an internal misunderstanding that the federation aims to resolve through discussions with the forward.

We are talking about the greatest player in history, a player who has dedicated more than two decades to Portuguese football. Today Cristiano Ronaldo is the most important symbol of Portuguese identity; we must pay him the respect he deserves.

Squad status ahead of November fixtures

Jesus stated after the Norway match that the national team door remains open for Ronaldo if the forward chooses to make himself available for selection. The 41-year-old forward holds international records with 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, having debuted in 2003 and won the 2016 European Championship alongside two Nations League titles. Portugal will resume their Group A4 schedule on 14 November when they host Denmark, followed by an away match against Wales on 17 November.

If he wants to, he will return to the national team. We can talk before the next call-up, but it is Cris who will make the decision.