Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team squad after coach Jorge Jesus said the 41-year-old would not start Thursday’s UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo announced his departure late Wednesday, shortly after Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would be left out of the starting lineup for a second consecutive match.
The former Real Madrid forward had been scheduled to train with his teammates at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen but left the squad following the coach’s announcement.
“After the press conference of the national team coach, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the role of the national team,” Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
Ronaldo had remained on the bench throughout Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday, after captaining the side in a 1-0 win over Wales last Thursday.
Jesus said there was no dispute between him and Ronaldo, but acknowledged that the captain was disappointed by his omission from the starting lineup against Norway.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said after the Norway match.
The coach said Ronaldo had been informed before the game that he would not start but could be introduced as a substitute.
“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” Jesus said.
However, Ronaldo’s statement suggested that his departure could have longer-term implications. He said he would “in due time” tell the Portuguese public the reasons behind his decision.
“Now is time to wish Portugal and all my teammates the very best for the future, without exception,” he added.
Spanish sports newspaper Marca reported that Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport in an attempt to persuade him to remain with the squad before he boarded his private jet.
Ronaldo’s departure also triggered a strong reaction on social media, including criticism from his sister, Elma Aveiro.
The Portuguese Football Federation said preparations for the Denmark and Norway fixtures would continue with the remaining 24 players in the squad.
“The entire delegation remains totally focused on the national team’s next fixtures and on achieving the established objectives,” the federation said.
Jesus had earlier confirmed that AC Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos, who scored Portugal’s winner against Norway, was expected to start against Denmark.
“If everything goes according to plan, it will be Gonçalo who plays,” Jesus said, adding that Ronaldo would only come on if needed.
Ronaldo recently said the 2026-27 season would “probably” be his final year in professional football.
The forward is Portugal’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He made his international debut in 2003 at the age of 18 and went on to help Portugal reach the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.
