05.11.2026 14:21
Cristiano Ronaldo had left the Portugal national team camp and flown to Madrid on his private jet after the crisis he experienced with head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old star, who was sentenced by the federation to a 30-day suspension and a fine, announced after some time that he had ended his national team career. With Ronaldo's decision, a 23-year period came to an end.
Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell to the Portugal national team brought back to mind the crisis he experienced with head coach Jorge Jesus on October 1, 2026. The developments that occurred after Jesus told him before the Denmark match that he would not play him in the starting XI had resulted in Ronaldo leaving the camp.
HE HAD BOARDED HIS PRIVATE JET AND GONE TO MADRID
In a statement he made at the time, Jesus said, “I am the head coach. I told the player he would not play. I will put you on the bench. If I need you for 30 minutes, you play; if not, you don't. No player can change my mind.”
After the press conference, Ronaldo met with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, left the camp in a federation vehicle, and flew from Copenhagen to Madrid on his private jet.
HE HAD BEEN GIVEN A 30-DAY SUSPENSION
Ronaldo had been given a 30-day suspension and a 255 euro fine by the federation for leaving the camp without permission. The Portuguese star stated at the time that he had not completely left the national team and said, “When the time comes, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led to my departure from the national team.”
HE PUT AN END TO HIS 23-YEAR CAREER
After what happened, Ronaldo announced that he was ending his national team career. The star footballer, who was noted to have scored 146 goals in 234 matches for Portugal, said in an emotional farewell message, “Today my journey on the field with the national team comes to an end. I leave with my head held high, proud of the path I have covered and aware that I gave everything I could for Portugal.” It was noteworthy that Ronaldo did not directly address his crisis with Jorge Jesus in his farewell statement.