Cristiano Ronaldo faces the possibility of a suspension lasting up to six months and a fine after leaving Portugal’s national team training camp without completing the current international assignment. The 41-year-old forward’s departure has created fresh uncertainty around his immediate future with the national side.
Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday, September 30, shortly after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that he would not start the team’s next UEFA Nations League match against Denmark. The decision came days after Ronaldo remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway in Oslo.
The situation had already attracted attention after Ronaldo missed Portugal’s final training session before the Denmark match. Reports of tension between the player and Jesus had circulated, although the coach publicly denied that there had been a serious confrontation between them. Jesus said Ronaldo was disappointed about his lack of playing time but maintained that there was no personal dispute.
Ronaldo later confirmed his departure himself on social media. He said the decision followed a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca and came after Jesus’ press conference. Ronaldo did not explain the full reason for leaving, but said he would reveal the circumstances behind his decision “in due time” and wished his teammates well for their upcoming matches.
The disciplinary consequences could now become a separate issue. Reports citing the Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary regulations say a player who has been officially called up and leaves or misses a national team training session, match or related activity without proper justification can face a suspension of between one and six months. Professional players can also receive a fine of roughly 500 to 1,000 euros under the relevant provision. The rules also provide for an automatic provisional suspension in certain circumstances.
That does not mean Ronaldo has already been handed a six-month suspension. The maximum sanction is one of the penalties available under the regulations if the circumstances are judged to constitute an unjustified departure. The exact disciplinary decision would depend on how the Portuguese federation treats the case.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Ronaldo had left the training camp but said preparations for the team’s fixtures would continue with the remaining players. Portugal’s schedule includes the Nations League meeting with Denmark in Copenhagen and a subsequent match against Norway at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao.
Ronaldo’s departure also had an immediate effect on Portugal’s squad list. Rafael Leao was given Ronaldo’s famous number seven shirt for the Denmark match. Leao normally wears number 17 for Portugal, but UEFA’s Nations League regulations require players listed for a match to use squad numbers from one to 23. With Ronaldo no longer available, the number had to be reassigned.
The change carries an obvious symbolic significance because the number seven has been closely associated with Ronaldo throughout his Portugal career. But the practical reason for the switch is the tournament’s squad-number rules rather than a formal announcement that Leao has permanently inherited Ronaldo’s shirt.
The dispute has also drawn a strong reaction from Ronaldo’s family. His sister, Elma Aveiro, criticised the treatment of her brother on social media, directing her anger at what she described as a lack of respect and appreciation from sections of the national team environment, sports media and the public. Her comments have added another layer to an already tense episode, although they do not establish the precise circumstances behind Ronaldo’s decision to leave.
For Jesus, who has only recently taken charge of Portugal, the episode comes at an important stage of his early tenure. The coach previously worked with Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, making the reported tension between the two particularly notable. Jesus has insisted that his selection decisions are based on footballing considerations and that Ronaldo is treated in the same way as every other player.
Ronaldo’s international future is therefore under renewed scrutiny. He remains Portugal’s leading men’s international goalscorer and most-capped player, and had continued with the national team after considering retirement following the 2026 World Cup. His departure from the current camp does not by itself confirm that he has ended his international career.
For now, the central issue is whether the Portuguese federation considers his departure justified under its disciplinary rules. Ronaldo has indicated that he intends to explain his side of the story, while Jesus has maintained that there was no major personal conflict. Until those accounts are reconciled and the federation reaches a disciplinary decision, the circumstances surrounding the walkout remain unresolved.
