Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a 30-day suspension and fined €255 by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) after leaving Portugal’s national team camp following a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus.
The 41-year-old forward walked out of the squad during the September–October international break after being left on the bench against Norway and learning that he would not start Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark on October 1.
Ronaldo later explained his decision in a lengthy statement, claiming Jesus had broken his word on two occasions and describing the situation as an “absolute breach of trust”.
However, the punishment is unlikely to affect Portugal’s upcoming fixtures because the suspension was backdated to October 10, when the federation first imposed a provisional ban. Ronaldo had already served 19 days of the suspension when the final decision was announced.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward is therefore expected to be available for Portugal’s Nations League matches against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17.
Ronaldo Accepts Responsibility for Portugal Walkout
Despite his disagreement with Jesus, Ronaldo acknowledged that leaving the national team camp was a mistake and accepted responsibility for his actions.
In his statement, the Portugal captain apologised to his teammates and supporters while insisting that his position as captain meant he should face appropriate disciplinary action.
“Despite the absolute breach of trust in the head coach’s word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it,” Ronaldo said.
“The responsibility is entirely mine. I apologize to the Portuguese people once again, but the breaking of one’s word has, for me, a defining impact.”
He also argued that his status as captain should count against him when determining the punishment.
“I am not just any player. I am team captain, and that is an aggravating factor,” he added.
“I have already apologized, but I know that actions must have consequences. Anyone who is in football as I am knows that, regardless of each person’s status, the rules are the same for everyone.”
The FPF disciplinary committee considered Ronaldo’s apology, his contributions to football and his sporting achievements when reaching its decision. The forward also submitted his career record and honours as part of his defence.
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Suspension Will Not Affect Portugal’s Upcoming Matches
Although the suspension initially appeared to threaten Ronaldo’s involvement in Portugal’s next international fixtures, its effective date means he is not expected to miss any matches.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later as they continue their Nations League campaign.
Jesus previously denied making an agreement with Ronaldo but left the door open for the forward’s return to the national team.
FPF president Pedro Proença also indicated that there was a strong desire to welcome Ronaldo back once the disciplinary matter had been resolved.
The outcome could therefore allow Portugal to move beyond the dispute without losing their captain for the upcoming fixtures.
Ronaldo’s Portugal Legacy Remains Unmatched
Ronaldo remains one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history, having scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for his country, according to the figures provided in the original report.
Both totals are men’s international records, while his contributions helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
At club level, the forward continues to represent Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr after joining in December 2022 on a reported lucrative contract.
The latest disciplinary action brings a formal conclusion to the immediate consequences of his departure from Portugal’s camp, but the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus will remain a major talking point ahead of the next international break.
With his suspension effectively served and the federation signalling a willingness to move forward, attention will now turn to whether the captain returns to the squad and helps Portugal continue their Nations League campaign.
