Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey with Portugal has been filled with historic victories, individual records, emotional moments and relationships that have occasionally come under serious pressure. For more than 2 decades, the forward remained the country’s biggest football figure, carrying the expectations of millions while navigating disagreements, difficult decisions and changing responsibilities within the national team. His position as captain gave him enormous influence, although his status never placed him beyond disagreements with teammates or the authority of his coaches.
Several incidents during the final years of his international career attracted considerable attention, particularly when footage from Portugal’s training sessions and matches revealed uncomfortable exchanges involving people who had shared the dressing room with him. The situation became more complicated after his departure from Manchester United, his changing role under former coach Fernando Santos and the eventual appointment of Jorge Jesus. Each development brought a different challenge, with the final dispute involving Portugal’s new manager becoming one of the most significant episodes before his retirement announcement on November 5, 2026.
Bruno Fernandes’ Awkward Handshake With Ronaldo
One of the earliest controversies involving Ronaldo and a Portuguese teammate during this period emerged in November 2022, shortly before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. At the time, Ronaldo was dealing with a difficult situation at Manchester United following an explosive television interview in which he criticised the club, its management and manager Erik ten Hag. His comments created considerable tension at Old Trafford, particularly because he was still part of the club’s playing squad and had publicly questioned the direction of the organisation.
The situation became more interesting when Bruno Fernandes arrived at Portugal’s training camp ahead of the World Cup. Both players were Manchester United teammates, meaning their relationship at club level was suddenly becoming a subject of discussion within the national team. Cameras captured Fernandes approaching Ronaldo, exchanging a handshake with him and appearing to walk away without the usual warmth expected between close teammates. Ronaldo’s facial expression also attracted attention, with the footage quickly spreading across social media and generating speculation about a possible disagreement.
The timing made the incident particularly sensitive because Fernandes was among the players who had to return to Manchester United after the international tournament. Some interpreted his greeting as an expression of displeasure over Ronaldo’s interview, while others suggested that the midfielder was deliberately distancing himself from his senior teammate. However, the footage alone did not establish that an argument had taken place, and both players subsequently provided explanations that challenged the widespread interpretation of the encounter.
Fernandes addressed the situation publicly, insisting that he had no problem with Ronaldo. He explained that people had interpreted the footage without understanding the accompanying conversation, maintaining that the exchange was a joke rather than an argument. Another Portugal international, João Mário, offered an explanation, revealing that Ronaldo had teased Fernandes about arriving late at the training camp and jokingly asked whether he had travelled by boat.
Ronaldo also addressed the incident before Portugal’s World Cup campaign, explaining that he had been joking with Fernandes about his arrival. He maintained that their relationship remained excellent, dismissing suggestions that the handshake represented a serious disagreement between them. Although the footage became one of the most widely circulated images from Portugal’s preparations, neither player confirmed a breakdown in their relationship.
João Cancelo’s Training Ground Confrontation With João Félix
Another incident that attracted attention during Portugal’s preparations for the 2022 World Cup involved João Cancelo and João Félix. The confrontation occurred during a training exercise on November 15, 2022, when Cancelo challenged Félix for possession of the ball. The defender appeared to make a forceful challenge and held Félix’s arm, prompting an uncomfortable exchange between the 2 players.
Félix appeared unhappy with the challenge and gestured towards Cancelo, creating a tense atmosphere during the session. Ronaldo was nearby when the incident occurred and quickly approached the defender. Footage showed the Portugal captain holding Cancelo around the back of his neck while appearing to speak directly to him, with his actions suggesting that he wanted to calm the situation and encourage his teammate to remain focused.
The images attracted attention because Ronaldo had already been involved in controversy following his Manchester United interview. Consequently, the confrontation generated speculation about whether another disagreement had developed within Portugal’s dressing room. Some social media discussions presented the footage as evidence of tension between Ronaldo and Cancelo, although the actual incident involved Cancelo and Félix.
Ronaldo subsequently explained that Cancelo had been having a difficult start to training and that he approached him to encourage him. He indicated that his actions were intended to motivate the defender rather than confront him. The distinction was important because there was no established evidence of a physical fight between Ronaldo and Cancelo.
The episode nevertheless became another widely discussed moment during Portugal’s preparations for the tournament. Ronaldo’s intervention demonstrated his involvement in managing situations among his teammates, although the footage also showed how quickly ordinary training ground exchanges could become major talking points whenever the national team captain was involved.
Fernando Santos Drops Ronaldo From Portugal’s Starting Lineup
Ronaldo’s relationship with Portugal’s coaching staff also experienced difficulties during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, particularly after Fernando Santos made the decision to leave him out of the starting lineup. The decision came during the round of 16 encounter against Switzerland on December 6, 2022, following a period in which the forward had struggled to reproduce his usual influence on the pitch.
Santos opted to introduce Gonçalo Ramos into the starting lineup, a decision that surprised many because Ronaldo had remained Portugal’s leading attacking figure for several years. The coach wanted to make tactical adjustments, while the emergence of younger attacking options provided him with alternatives. However, dropping the captain from such an important fixture represented a significant change in the team’s established arrangement.
Santos later revealed that he had spoken privately with Ronaldo about the decision before the match. According to the coach, the forward was unhappy and questioned whether the arrangement was a good idea. Ronaldo reportedly asked, “Do you really think it’s a good idea?” Santos explained that he wanted to use a different starting arrangement and could introduce him later if the circumstances required it.
Portugal eventually defeated Switzerland 6 goals to 1, with Ramos scoring a hat trick in a performance that attracted considerable attention. Ronaldo entered the match as a substitute, while the team’s impressive victory demonstrated that Santos was prepared to make significant selection decisions regardless of the captain’s status.
The situation continued during the quarter final against Morocco on December 10, 2022, when Ronaldo was again left out of the starting lineup. Portugal eventually lost 1 goal to 0 and exited the competition, with the forward introduced during the second half as his team attempted to find an equaliser. After the final whistle, Ronaldo walked towards the tunnel in tears, producing one of the most emotional images of the tournament.
Santos subsequently rejected suggestions that Ronaldo had threatened to abandon the national team over his selection. The coach maintained that they had discussed the decision and that the forward had continued to work with the squad. Nevertheless, the experience represented a major turning point in Ronaldo’s international career, as his position in the starting lineup was no longer guaranteed.
The Manchester United Interview That Created More Tension
Although the controversy began at club level, Ronaldo’s November 2022 interview with Piers Morgan became relevant to Portugal because several Manchester United players were also members of the national team. During the interview, he criticised Manchester United’s leadership, questioned the club’s progress and accused certain individuals of betraying him. He also expressed dissatisfaction with manager Erik ten Hag and explained that he felt unwanted at Old Trafford.
The interview created an uncomfortable situation for players such as Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who were required to maintain their professional relationships with Ronaldo at both club and international level. Questions emerged about whether the public criticism would affect the atmosphere within Portugal’s dressing room, especially with the World Cup approaching. Fernandes, however, rejected suggestions that the interview had created a serious problem between him and Ronaldo.
On November 22, 2022, Manchester United announced that Ronaldo’s contract had been terminated by mutual agreement. The announcement came shortly before Portugal’s opening World Cup match against Ghana, bringing his second spell at the English club to an end. Fernandes subsequently acknowledged the significance of having played alongside Ronaldo, while the national team continued its preparations for the tournament.
The episode became another defining moment in the final stages of Ronaldo’s relationship with Manchester United. Although it was not a direct dispute with Portugal’s coaching staff, its consequences followed him into the national team environment and contributed to the attention surrounding his interactions with teammates.
Jorge Jesus Becomes Portugal’s Head Coach
The appointment of Jorge Jesus as Portugal’s head coach in 2026 introduced another important chapter in Ronaldo’s international career. The 2 men already had a professional relationship from their time together at Al Nassr, making Jesus’s appointment particularly significant. Ronaldo reportedly supported the decision and confirmed that he had given Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença a favourable opinion of the coach.
Their previous relationship initially suggested that the arrangement could work smoothly, especially because Jesus understood Ronaldo’s playing style and professional expectations. However, the situation became complicated as the forward approached the final stage of his international career and Portugal continued adjusting its attacking options.
At 41, Ronaldo was no longer guaranteed the same starting position he had enjoyed during earlier years. Younger players, including Gonçalo Ramos, were increasingly available to fill attacking positions, while the coaching staff had to consider the physical demands of international football. The changing circumstances became particularly visible during the September 2026 international fixtures.
Ronaldo started Portugal’s match against Wales on September 24, 2026, but was substituted after approximately 67 minutes. He subsequently remained an unused substitute during the team’s 2 goal to 1 victory over Norway on September 27. His decision to head straight into the dressing room after the match, rather than join his teammates in acknowledging supporters, became another subject of discussion.
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo would naturally be unhappy after warming up for approximately 20 to 30 minutes without being introduced. However, the coach maintained that he had made a technical decision and that there had been no confrontation between them. The situation became more serious when the coach addressed the forward’s position ahead of Portugal’s next fixture against Denmark.
September 30, 2026: Ronaldo Leaves Portugal’s Training Camp
The disagreement reached a significant point on September 30, 2026, when Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s next match against Denmark. He indicated that Gonçalo Ramos would occupy the attacking position, while Ronaldo could still be introduced if the circumstances required his experience.
Shortly afterwards, Ronaldo announced that he had decided to leave Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen. The timing attracted considerable attention because his departure followed the coach’s public comments about his selection. His decision also raised questions about his relationship with Jesus and whether he intended to continue representing Portugal.
Before leaving, Ronaldo reportedly held a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. He subsequently issued a statement explaining his decision, directly referring to the coach’s press conference and his conversation with the federation president.
“Following the national team manager’s press conference, and after a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the national team’s training camp.”
He also promised to explain his reasons to the Portuguese public at a later date, adding, “In due course, I will tell the truth to all the Portuguese people about my reasons for leaving the national team, to which I have always been dedicated.”
The announcement immediately placed the disagreement beyond an ordinary selection dispute. Ronaldo was the national team captain, and his decision to leave the camp ahead of an international fixture raised questions about his responsibilities to the team. Jesus, however, maintained that the door remained open for the forward, indicating that their disagreement did not automatically mean the end of his Portugal career.
October 6 and 7, 2026: Ronaldo Accuses Jesus of Breaking Promises
Ronaldo eventually provided a detailed explanation of his departure through a statement published on October 6 and 7, 2026. His account revealed that the disagreement involved several private conversations and an alleged understanding about his participation in Portugal’s matches.
He explained that after the 2026 World Cup, he had prepared a letter announcing his intention to leave the national team. However, Pedro Proença persuaded him to reconsider, and their discussions eventually included the possibility of appointing Jesus as the new head coach. Ronaldo said he supported the appointment and was initially pleased with the prospect of working with his former coach again.
According to Ronaldo, Jesus later proposed that he miss Portugal’s away fixtures against Norway and Denmark to manage his physical condition. The forward rejected the suggestion because he did not want to remain behind while his teammates travelled to represent their country. He explained that such an arrangement would not have been appropriate for someone who still considered himself committed to the national team.
Ronaldo claimed that another understanding was subsequently reached, under which Jesus indicated that he would play approximately 30 minutes against Norway. The forward said he prepared for the match on that basis and began warming up from half time. However, despite spending time preparing to enter the game, he was never introduced.
He described the decision as the first occasion on which Jesus had broken his word. Ronaldo subsequently said he met with the coach to discuss the matter, with Al Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho also involved in the discussions. According to his account, they reached an understanding about how the situation would be explained publicly.
He alleged that an 8 point document was prepared to clarify that he had not demanded playing time, had respected the coach’s authority and had only been disappointed by the failure to introduce him after warming up. He maintained that the proposed explanation did not require Jesus to apologise, but that the coach’s subsequent press conference failed to reflect their private agreement.
Ronaldo described the situation as an absolute breach of trust. However, the allegations represented his account of private discussions, and Jesus disputed the existence of an agreement guaranteeing the forward playing time against Norway. The coach maintained that selecting substitutes and deciding when to introduce them remained his responsibility.
Ronaldo Apologises to Teammates, Supporters
Despite his criticism of Jesus, Ronaldo also acknowledged that leaving the training camp had affected Portugal’s preparations. He apologised to his teammates and accepted responsibility for his decision, while also addressing his behaviour following the victory against Norway.
The forward apologised to Portuguese supporters for going straight into the dressing room without acknowledging them after the match. He also indicated that he was prepared to accept any disciplinary consequences arising from his departure.
Importantly, Ronaldo rejected the suggestion that he had permanently retired from international football at that stage. He maintained that he remained available to represent Portugal after serving any punishment imposed on him. His statement therefore suggested that, despite the breakdown in trust he alleged, he still wanted an opportunity to continue his international career.
October 10, 2026: Portuguese Football Federation Opens Disciplinary Proceedings
The dispute subsequently moved beyond Ronaldo and Jesus when the Portuguese Football Federation initiated disciplinary proceedings against the forward on October 10, 2026. The proceedings followed an examination of his departure from the national team camp ahead of the Denmark fixture.
Ronaldo had already acknowledged that his actions could attract punishment and indicated that he was prepared to accept the consequences. The federation’s decision therefore introduced a formal disciplinary dimension to the controversy, with the national team captain facing the possibility of suspension.
October 19, 2026: Ronaldo Receives 30 Day Suspension
The Portuguese Football Federation’s disciplinary council announced its decision on October 19, 2026, imposing a 30 day suspension and a €255 financial penalty on Ronaldo. The ruling concerned his departure from the national team camp and his conduct as a player representing Portugal.
The disciplinary council reportedly considered his written defence, which included his career achievements and contributions to football as mitigating circumstances. The ruling also acknowledged his sporting record and recognition for his achievements throughout his professional career.
The suspension did not amount to a permanent ban from Portugal, although it represented a significant development involving a player who had captained the national team for several years. Federation president Pedro Proença also indicated that the organisation wanted Ronaldo to return once the disciplinary matter had been resolved.
Wayne Rooney Criticises Ronaldo’s Conduct
Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s training camp also attracted criticism from his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney. The former England captain questioned how Ronaldo handled his disagreement with Jesus, focusing on the responsibilities expected of someone wearing the national team captain’s armband.
Rooney’s criticism centred on the possibility that leaving the camp and publicly explaining the disagreement could undermine the coach’s authority and affect the wider team. His comments attracted additional attention because the 2 former Manchester United teammates had shared several important moments during their playing careers.
Their relationship had previously experienced controversy during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, when Rooney was sent off against Portugal following an incident involving Ricardo Carvalho. Ronaldo was accused by English supporters of encouraging the referee to dismiss Rooney after cameras captured him gesturing towards the Portuguese bench and winking.
The 2 players eventually continued their professional relationship at Manchester United, where they enjoyed considerable success together. Rooney’s criticism in 2026 therefore brought their long history back into the discussion surrounding Ronaldo’s final international controversies.
November 5, 2026: Ronaldo Announces His Portugal Retirement
The latest development came on November 5, 2026, when Ronaldo announced his intention to retire from international football after the November international break. The announcement brought renewed attention to the controversies that had surrounded his final period with Portugal, particularly his disagreement with Jesus and the disciplinary proceedings following his departure from the training camp.
His decision marked the approaching end of an international career that began in 2003 and produced extraordinary achievements. Ronaldo became Portugal’s record appearance holder and leading international goalscorer, while helping the country win Euro 2016 and the UEFA Nations League. His international journey also included participation in 6 FIFA World Cups.
The announcement concerns his future with Portugal and does not automatically mean that he has retired from professional club football. He remains associated with Al Nassr, and his international retirement should be distinguished from any decision about ending his playing career altogether.
There is also an important distinction concerning the reasons behind his decision. Although the disagreement with Jesus became one of the final major controversies of his Portugal career, the available account does not establish that the dispute alone caused his retirement. Ronaldo had considered leaving the national team after the 2026 World Cup before Pedro Proença persuaded him to reconsider, while his October statement indicated that he initially intended to continue representing Portugal after serving his suspension.
His November 5 announcement therefore closes a remarkable international chapter that included disagreements with teammates, difficult conversations with coaches, changes in his playing role and disciplinary challenges. From the awkward handshake with Bruno Fernandes in 2022 to the final dispute with Jorge Jesus in 2026, Ronaldo’s last years with Portugal were far more complicated than the celebrations and records that defined much of his international career.
