While Cristiano Ronaldo made it known that the summer's World Cup would be his last, the 41-year-old remained open to remaining with the Portugal national team for the time being. That door now might be officially closed for the soccer legend.
Newly hired Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus named Ronaldo to his UEFA Nations League roster in the September and October international window, so there was willingness to involve the superstar in the cycle. Ronaldo started but was ineffective in the opening 1-0 win against Wales. He was an unused substitute in Portugal's next match, a 2-1 win over Erling Haaland's Norway.
With two matches remaining for Portugal this window, Ronaldo has evidently seen enough from the bench. He abruptly left the national team
to return to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
🚨⚠️ Cristiano Ronaldo: “In time, I will tell all the Portuguese the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I always devoted myself”. pic.twitter.com/CIbmDAGiDw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2026
🚨🇵🇹 OFFICIAL: Portugal statement.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2026
“Cristiano Ronaldo has left the national team camp. Our preparations for the next games continue with our 24 players with maximum focus on the results”. pic.twitter.com/nevUpkACmL
Why did Ronaldo leave camp?
One of the main criticisms for Portugal in recent years has been how the national team has seemingly been held captive by its aging superstar. For all the talent Portugal has on its roster, the team's performances were held back through Ronaldo's selfish play and diminished abilities.
Jesus — who replaced Roberto Martínez after the World Cup — was forced to make tough decisions with Ronaldo. Jesus told reporters that he had informed Ronaldo that he'd begin the Norway match from the bench but would see action. The coach ended up changing his mind mid-match, which infuriated Ronaldo.
Since being an unused substitute, Ronaldo reportedly refused to practice on Wednesday. Jesus told Ronaldo that he would remain on the bench for Thursday's match against Denmark, prompting Ronaldo's sudden exit.
What did Ronaldo say about the ordeal?
The Portugal star posted on Instagram that he would reveal the truth and that he left the squad.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he has decided to leave the Portuguese national team camp on his social media. pic.twitter.com/vFdHPk1lIB
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 30, 2026
But from Jesus' comments, Ronaldo appears to be unwilling to accept a lesser role within the squad. It might be time to move on for good.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Cristiano Ronaldo abruptly left the Portugal national team
