By Milton Marima
Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp in Copenhagen ahead of the UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark, sparking fresh speculation over whether the legendary forward has played his final match for his country.
Ronaldo confirmed his departure on Wednesday, September 30, saying his decision came after a press conference by Portugal coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner said he would explain the reasons behind his decision to Portuguese supporters “in due time”, while wishing Portugal and his teammates good luck.
The development follows a tense period between Ronaldo and new head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo was left on the bench during Portugal’s 2–1 Nations League victory over Norway and did not feature in the match.
Jesus later confirmed that Ronaldo was unhappy after remaining on the bench but said there had been no major incident between them.
He also indicated that Gonçalo Ramos would start against Denmark, with Ronaldo potentially being used from the bench if required.
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed that Ronaldo has left the camp and that preparations for the Denmark and Norway matches will continue with the remaining players.
However, there is currently no official confirmation from Ronaldo or the Portuguese federation that he has permanently retired from international football.
Reports from Portuguese media have claimed that Ronaldo has decided to end his international career, but Ronaldo’s own statement only confirmed his departure from the current camp and promised a later explanation.
At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with 146 international goals in 234 appearances.
UEFA confirmed those figures on September 29, 2026.
Ronaldo had already confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final World Cup, but he had not previously announced a definitive end to his international career.
For now, the confirmed development is that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal camp, while his long-term future with the national team remains uncertain.
Reports of an immediate international retirement are circulating, but an official announcement from Ronaldo confirming that he has retired from Portugal is still awaited.
Portugal, meanwhile, will continue its Nations League campaign without its captain for the remainder of the current international break.
