Ronaldo leaves national team after camp dispute and flight to Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the training camp of the Portuguese national team, flew by private jet to Madrid and said he has had enough – a step that marks the possible end of his 234 international caps.

Conflict with Coach Jorge Jesus

The dispute began after Ronaldo was substituted in the Nations League opening match against Wales a little over an hour into the game. In the second match against Norway he was not used again – the first time in eighteen years – and immediately withdrew to the dressing room. Coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo did not show up after the Norway match to resolve anything, because there was “nothing to resolve”.

Jesus announced before the third match against Denmark that Ronaldo would not be in the starting lineup. Despite this announcement Ronaldo left the camp abruptly, which led to a public outburst.

Reactions and possible consequences

Ronaldo wrote in an initial statement: “Now it is time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception.” The Portuguese sports newspaper “O Jogo” already reported that Ronaldo had made an irrevocable decision not to play for Portugal any longer.

Ronaldo's bench fury prompts urgent talk with Jesus in Malmo

His sister Elma Aveiro responded on Instagram with the words: “CR7 deserved more respect”, and sharply criticized the situation. Jesus stated that Ronaldo had not come to resolve anything, and emphasized that he left the camp because he had had enough.

Ronaldo, 41 years old, has so far scored 146 goals in 234 international matches. His contract with Al‑Nassr in Saudi Arabia still has about a year left, and Jorge Jesus was the national team coach from July 2025 until the end of June this year.

Ronaldo's bench snub sparks emergency Portugal meeting

The question remains whether this truly means the end of Ronaldo's international career or if a later comeback is possible – a topic that the Portuguese media will continue to discuss.