Ronaldo walks away from Portugal camp after bench snub as coach denies rift

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed his exit after reports surfaced that he left Portugal’s national team camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League game against Denmark on Thursday, October 1, 2026.

Ronaldo announced his decision in a statement on Wednesday, September 30, soon after coach Jorge Jesus said he was not considering selecting the 41-year-old in Thursday’s game in Copenhagen.

“After the press conference of the national team. And following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp,” Ronaldo shared a message in Portuguese on Instagram.

Although Ronald did not detail what led to his decision to walk away from the camp, he said he would provide the reasons “in due course.”

“In due course, I will tell all the Portugese people the truth about the reason that led me to leave the national team, to which I always dedicated myself,” he added.

“Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck, without exception,” CR7 concluded the post.

Jesus, addressing the rumors that he has been at loggerheads with the star striker, said in a pregame news conference that “It seems like there was an issue between us, but there was no issue. I’m the one who makes the decisions, and everybody knows that.”

Jesus took over the assignment from Roberto Martinez after the World Cup.

Ronaldo is currently leading in men’s international soccer with 146 goals and eyeing on achieving the milestone of 1,000 career goals.

Ronaldo was in Portugal’s starting lineup in their 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday but was substituted on the 67th minute.

Portugal, leading the Group A4 in the Nations League with six points, will play host to Norway on Sunday, October 4, 2026.