Ronaldo’s Nassr exit fuels call for federation punishment

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41‑year‑old forward, has said he should be sanctioned after walking out of Portugal’s recent Nations League camp, a move that comes as the team sit top of Group A4 with four straight wins.

Camp departure and its fallout

Ronaldo left the squad days after being an unused substitute in the 2‑1 victory over Norway on 27 September. He missed the subsequent fixtures – wins against Denmark and a second triumph over Norway – that secured Portugal’s position at the summit of Group A4.

In a lengthy Instagram statement posted on Tuesday night, the Portugal captain explained that he felt manager Jorge Jesus had failed to keep his word about a 30‑minute cameo in the Norway match, prompting his departure.

Ronaldo’s demand for punishment

He wrote that the “consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation”, insisting any sanction should have no mitigating factors because he is a team captain.

Ronaldo insists he will serve punishment after leaving Portugal camp

Ronaldo also apologised to his teammates and to the Portuguese people, reaffirming his availability for future matches provided he remains physically fit and serves any imposed suspension.

Jorge Jesus, speaking after Portugal’s 2‑1 home win over Norway, said: “If he wants to, he’ll return to the national team.”

The forward, who plays for Al Nassr, highlighted his record of 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, underscoring that his status does not place him above the rules.

Ronaldo issues apology after abandoning Portugal squad

Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures are not due until November, when they will meet Denmark again and then Wales.