Ronaldo leaves the Portuguese national team - Photo: REUTERS
Ronaldo announced his surprising decision on Instagram : "Following the national team coach's press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to withdraw from the Portuguese national team's training camp."
Ronaldo further shocked the public by stating: "In the near future, I will tell all the people of Portugal the truth about the reasons why I left the national team, where I always gave my all. Now it's time to wish Portugal and all my teammates good luck."
It remains unclear whether Ronaldo is simply not participating in this training camp with the Portuguese national team, or if this move also marks his retirement from international football.
Several Portuguese newspapers have also claimed that Ronaldo has retired from the Portuguese national team. They also confirmed that the match between Portugal and Wales in November will be Ronaldo's last appearance for the national team.
Will Ronaldo retire from the national team in November 2026? - Photo: REUTERS
But whatever the case, one thing is undeniable: the conflict between Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus is beyond repair. The Portuguese Football Federation has tried to smooth things over, but to no avail.
According to Portuguese media, the whole thing started with Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway on the morning of September 28th. Coach Jorge Jesus told Ronaldo to warm up but then didn't let the superstar play. After the match ended, CR7 went straight to the dressing room without staying on the pitch to celebrate with his teammates.
Coach Jorge Jesus himself admitted that Ronaldo was "angry" with him but believed the situation had been resolved. However, things took a turn for the worse when Ronaldo did not show up for Portugal's training session in preparation for the match against Denmark in Copenhagen.
In a press conference before the match against Denmark, coach Jorge Jesus announced that striker Gonçalo Ramos would start instead of Ronaldo. This statement is believed to have further fueled tensions between Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus, leading the Portuguese captain to announce his withdrawal.
In the past, coach Jorge Jesus coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr before the two parted ways after winning the Saudi Pro League 2025-2026.
Ronaldo has played for the Portuguese national team from 2003 to the present, making 146 appearances and scoring 234 goals. He is the player with the most appearances and the most goals for the national team.