Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team’s training camp in Denmark after coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the veteran forward would not start Thursday’s Nations League clash against Denmark.
Ronaldo was expected to train with his teammates at Copenhagen’s Parken Stadium on Wednesday but left the venue shortly after Jesus addressed the media.
The 41-year-old later announced his departure on social media, saying he had spoken to Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before making the decision.
“Following the national team coach's press conference, and after having a conversation with the Portuguese Football Federation president, I decided to leave the national team's training camp,” Ronaldo said.
He added that he would explain his reasons for leaving “in due course” and wished Portugal and his teammates well.
Jesus, who recently took charge of the national team, insisted there was no falling-out between him and Ronaldo.
The coach acknowledged that Ronaldo had been disappointed after spending the entire match on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on Sunday.
“There was no incident whatsoever,” Jesus said.
He explained that Ronaldo had been informed before the Norway match that he would not start, although he could potentially have been brought on later in the game.
“Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about,” Jesus said.
Jesus also dismissed reports that Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, explaining that the forward had instead completed individual exercises focused on mobility and strengthening.
Ronaldo had been expected to train normally with the squad on Wednesday. Portuguese media reported that he arrived at Parken Stadium on the team bus but did not join his teammates on the pitch.
The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently confirmed that Ronaldo had left the training camp.
“Preparation for the two matches against Denmark and Norway... continue as planned with the 24 remaining squad members,” the federation said.
Jesus is expected to start AC Milan striker Gonçalo Ramos against Denmark after Ramos scored the winner against Norway.
“If everything goes according to plan, it will be Gonçalo who plays,” Jesus said, adding that Ronaldo would only be used if required.
The developments have sparked a strong reaction on social media, including criticism from Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro.
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 234 appearances and 146 goals for his country.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also indicated that the 2026/27 season could be his final campaign as a professional footballer.