Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) following his departure from Portugal’s international camp last month. The 41-year-old captain exited the squad during the Nations League campaign in September after appearing as an unused substitute against Norway and subsequently learning he would not start in the match against Denmark.
In a detailed statement released at the time, the Al-Nassr forward justified his exit by claiming that manager Jorge Jesus had twice “broken his word” and committed an “absolute breach of trust.” The FPF confirmed on 9 October that it had issued the provisional suspension and classified the case as urgent.
Under FPF regulations, any player who fails to report for or abandons international duties is subject to a ban ranging from one to six months, alongside a financial penalty. Pedro Proenc, the federation’s president, told Portuguese media outlet Record that the organization is committed to a calm approach and emphasized the desire to eventually welcome their captain back, while noting that a standard disciplinary process will follow.
Ronaldo has publicly accepted accountability for his actions and apologized to both his teammates and supporters, acknowledging that he deserved punishment. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also reaffirmed that he does not intend to retire from international football, continuing his pursuit of 1,000 career goals. He currently holds the men’s world records for most goals (146) and appearances (234) for Portugal, having helped secure victory at Euro 2016 and the Nations League on two occasions.
Although the Portuguese football community remains divided, opinion polls suggest that only 15% of Portuguese citizens support Ronaldo’s stance. Journalist Jose Manuel Delgado told BBC Radio 5 Live that the relationship appears irreparable, stating, “In the statement, Ronaldo says he will return to the national team but at the same time he calls Jesus a liar three times.”
Delgado added that while Ronaldo’s contributions to Portuguese football are unique and incredible, the player is 41 and no longer has a place in the starting eleven. Meanwhile, Ronaldo recently returned to club action with Al-Nassr, scoring his 980th career goal in a 3-0 victory over Diriyah Club.
Walking out after being benched seems childish, but calling the manager a liar publicly was definitely unnecessary.
Is a six-month ban really the right move for a legend who scored one hundred forty-six goals for his country?
Only fifteen percent support him? I am genuinely surprised by how negatively the Portuguese public is reacting to this.
This feels like the end of an era. The trust is clearly broken between him and the federation.