Man United flop Hojlund shoves Portugal boss after October clash
Rasmus Hojlund, the former Man United striker now at Napoli, shoved Portugal manager Jorge Jesus after full‑time in Denmark’s 4‑2 loss on Thursday night, an incident captured on television and linked to Cristiano Ronaldo’s walk‑out earlier that evening.
Celebration turned controversy
Hojlund had earlier celebrated his equalising goal with Ronaldo’s trademark ‘Siu’ move, a tribute he first performed in 2025 and described as “for my idol”. The 23‑year‑old said the gesture was not intended to mock Ronaldo. After the final whistle, Jesus approached for a handshake; Hojlund pushed the manager away, exchanged a few angry words and walked off.
Extraordinary TV footage showed the awkward exchange, with Jesus brushing off the incident with a smile while Hojlund appeared visibly upset. The striker’s reaction was interpreted as a personal response to Ronaldo’s departure from the Portugal camp.
Ronaldo’s walk‑out and its fallout
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, had been an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2‑1 win over Norway on Sunday – the first time in 18 years he missed a game. He left the training camp after a press‑conference row with Jesus, later confirming on Instagram that he departed following comments made by the manager.
Ronaldo refuses to return to Portugal while Jesus stays in charge
Jesus, who succeeded Roberto Martinez after the World Cup, insisted there was no issue between him and Ronaldo, stating he still has “a group that believes in the coach’s ideas”. He later oversaw a 4‑2 victory for Portugal against Denmark, despite the pre‑match controversy.
Reports in Portugal suggest Ronaldo could face a suspension of one to six months under the federation’s disciplinary code for abandoning the squad. The code states any regularly called‑up player who unjustifiably fails to appear for training or a match may be sanctioned accordingly.
Ronaldo’s statement read: “After the national team coach’s press conference … I have decided to leave the national team training camp. In due time I will tell all Portuguese people the truth … Now is the time to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates.” He will turn 42 next February, and the episode may mark an ignominious end to his international career.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of betrayal and apologises to Portugal
Hojlund, who signed for Napoli for £72 million after his failed stint at Man United, said his tribute was meant to honour his idol, not to provoke. The incident adds another chapter to the saga surrounding Ronaldo’s exit and the tensions within the Portugal camp.