Cristiano Ronaldo said he is not retiring from international football but deserves punishment for walking out of Portugal’s Nations League camp, according to a detailed statement shared across multiple outlets on October 6, 2026.
Ronaldo, 41, accused Portugal coach Jorge Jesus of breaking his word twice, leading to his decision to leave the national team camp in Copenhagen. The forward, who has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal, said he would accept any punishment from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) but emphasized his commitment to the national team.
The Dispute and Ronaldo’s Account
Ronaldo detailed a disagreement with Jesus over his involvement in matches against Norway and Denmark. He claimed Jesus had initially agreed to let him miss those games to manage his fitness, but on the day of the Norway match, the coach reportedly told him he would play for 30 minutes. Everyone knows the rest. I warmed up from half-time onwards, watched the minutes tick by and wasn't called on,
Ronaldo said in his statement via Naijanews.
Ronaldo described the incident as the “second time” Jesus had broken his word to me,
prompting him to leave the training camp without waiting for any further broken promises.
He also criticized Jesus for a public statement that he claimed did not reflect their private discussion, saying the coach had displayed an aggressiveness I believe I did not deserve.
The Eight-Point Document and Public Reaction
Ronaldo and Jesus reached an agreement to clarify the situation publicly, resulting in an eight-point document outlining their version of events.
The statement also addressed Ronaldo’s relationship with the FPF. He mentioned that he had considered retiring after Portugal’s World Cup exit but was persuaded to continue by FPF president Pedro Proenca. The responsibility is mine alone,
Ronaldo said, adding that he had apologized to his teammates and the Portuguese people for leaving the camp.
Mixed Reactions to Jesus' Response and Team Dynamics
The coach’s public remarks, however, conflicted with Ronaldo’s account, leading to a rift that has drawn mixed reactions in Portugal. Some media and fans supported Jesus, while others backed Ronaldo, highlighting the tension between the captain and the coach.
Ronaldo reiterated his desire to continue playing for Portugal, stating that he would return after serving any suspension. After my suspension period ends, I will be available, as I always have been, to compete and win with our national team,
he added.
Concerns Raised About Portugal's National Team Future
Ronaldo, who has helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the Nations League twice, emphasized his commitment to the national team.
The standoff between Ronaldo and Jesus has raised questions about the future of Portugal’s national team. While Ronaldo maintains his stance on accountability, the FPF will now determine the next steps in addressing the incident. The outcome could shape the team’s dynamics as they prepare for their final Nations League group games against the Danes and Wales in November.