Benchwarmer Ronaldo leaves Portugal before Nations League duel

Cristiano Ronaldo (41) left the Portuguese national team on Wednesday evening, just one day before the Nations League match against Denmark. National team coach Jorge Jesus had previously announced that the striker would not get a starting place, after which the five‑time Ballon d’Or winner left the training camp, together with the training camp. The tension had already risen sharply in the past days.

Coach chooses Gonçalo Ramos

Jorge Jesus announced on Wednesday in Copenhagen that Gonçalo Ramos would take the striker position, meaning Ronaldo would remain on the bench. The national team coach emphasized that the rules are the same for everyone and that every player must respect the trainer's decision. "The rules are the same for everyone," he said at the press conference.

Ronaldo’s Instagram statement

Shortly afterwards Ronaldo posted on Instagram that he, after the press conference and a conversation with federation president Pedro Proença, decided to leave the camp. He later promised to tell Portuguese fans the truth about his departure: "When the time is right, I will tell the truth." The statement was shared without further comment from the Portuguese federation.

Recent international match history

In the first match of this international period Ronaldo earned his 234th cap against Wales. In the match against Norway he spent ninety minutes on the bench and left the stadium immediately after the final whistle, without greeting the supporters. After that match he went straight inside and later left the stadium in Copenhagen.

Jorge Jesus denies Ronaldo deal, the Ballon d’Or leaves Copenhagen

Reports circulated that Ronaldo had not appeared on the training field ahead of the upcoming matches, but Jesus denied any problem between them. The coach, who previously worked with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, stated that there was no conflict and that it "did not seem as if there was a problem between us."

Jesus confirmed that before the Norway match he had said that Ronaldo would probably play and had let him warm up, but changed his mind. He emphasized: "I can promise whatever I want, I am the coach. No player will ever make a decision for me." He saw no excuse needed for the striker's disappointment.

Jorge Jesus denies rift as Ronaldo skips training before Dinamarca clash

After the unrest following the 2‑1 victory over Norway, Jesus and Ronaldo talked about the striker's career and history. Federation chairman Pedro Proença also intervened, but according to Spanish media Ronaldo then left in a private jet to Madrid, without further comment.