Sports
Ronaldo quits Portugal camp in rift with coach Jesus over unexplained benchings
October 6, 2026 at 07:34 AM · Updated 10d ago
10 reports · 9 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 8 hours
Cristiano Ronaldo walked out of Portugal's training camp after coach Jorge Jesus left him on the bench, a rift broadcaster Piers Morgan tied to broken promises.
- Ronaldo departed the squad late Wednesday after being benched for consecutive Nations League matches, including the 2-1 win over Norway on September 27.
- Ronaldo said in an Instagram post that he would "tell the truth" about his reasons for leaving the national team.
- Morgan stated Jesus reneged on an agreement for Ronaldo to play a full match, substituting him in the 67th minute against Wales.
- Jesus said Ronaldo could return to the national team if he chooses, adding that he wants the captain close to the squad.
- Ronaldo has returned to Al Nassr training ahead of their Saudi Pro League match against Al-Diriyah.
- Former Zamalek coach Nelo Vingada said communication between Ronaldo and Jesus was never good and neither will back down.
- Vingada added that all signs indicate Ronaldo will not play for Portugal again and that no Portuguese player can replace him.
- Ronaldo told confidants he will not return to the squad while coach Jorge Jesus remains in charge.
- Ronaldo was told he would not start Portugal's next match against Denmark, deepening the rift.
- Morgan said Jesus broke a promise to give Ronaldo a 30-minute appearance against Norway, keeping him benched.
- Jesus described the incident as a misunderstanding, while the Portuguese federation president failed to mediate the dispute.
- Ronaldo will not return for Portugal's November Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales, the Daily Mail reported.










