Elma Aveiro denounces federation after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure
The 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portuguese national team after being left on the bench by manager Jorge Jesus during the match against Norway, then publicly reprimanded before the fixture with Denmark, sparking a wave of criticism from his sister Elma Aveiro.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Decision
After spending ninety minutes on the bench against Norway, the 41-year-old striker expressed his displeasure, which manager Jorge Jesus confirmed by explaining that he had planned to play him, but ultimately gave up. “It is true that I set up a plan with him, just like with Bruno Fernandes,” the manager said. He added that “any player who warms up for thirty minutes and then is not used feels frustrated, whether we call him Cristiano or Pelé.”
The same coach denied that Ronaldo had refused to train, stating that “Cris never trains on the day or the day after a match, that’s what we agreed on.” He emphasized that the rules apply to everyone, even to a player of a different status.
Elma Aveiro's Fierce Reaction
Elma Aveiro, the player's older sister, posted on Instagram a series of accusations against the Portuguese Football Federation and manager Jorge Jesus, stating that “CR7 deserved more respect” and that “the national team deserved more structure.” She also criticized Portuguese journalism, describing it as “less competent and overly speculative.”
In a second message, she said that “the Portuguese do not deserve to have the best,” recalling that Portugal’s record was devoid of major titles before the Ronaldo era (146 goals in 234 caps). She concluded by reproaching supporters and observers for being “envious, contemptuous, ignorant” and urging them to “return to the mediocrity that was ours before CR7.”
Ronaldo leaves training camp, Portugal must plan the future
Changes Within the Seleção
The same day, the Federation released the official UEFA list showing that the number 7, historically worn by Cristiano, was assigned to Rafael Leão for the match against Denmark, while Fabio Silva now wears number 17. Leão, who wore 17 during the World Cup and the first two Nations League matches, thus takes on the symbolic captain’s shirt. Gonçalo Ramos was also confirmed in the starting eleven against Denmark.
Deprived of one of its star players, Portugal continues its Nations League campaign, facing Denmark in Copenhagen before hosting Norway, where Erling Haaland plays. The manager emphasized that the stakes go beyond simple qualification: it is about learning to win without the talismanic figure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
On 1 October 2026, Ronaldo announced on Instagram his departure from the squad, stating that after the manager’s press conference and a meeting with the federation president, he had decided to leave the national team and that he “will tell the truth to all Portuguese at the right moment.” He left the camp by private jet for Madrid, causing a media and sporting earthquake.
Ronaldo and Portugal in crisis, superstar leaves training camp