Cristiano Enigma, the captain who trained alone at the hotel

At Oslo Stadium, Portugal celebrated a victory over Norway, but the focus was on an unexpected absence: captain Cristiano Ronaldo did not step onto the pitch nor train with his teammates.

According to the newspapers A Bola and O Jogo, Ronaldo stayed at the hotel and did specific work in the gym, without taking part in the collective session of the Portuguese national team.

Coach Jorge Jesús explained at the press conference that the match «asked for other things» and reminded that the number 7 is 41 years old, not 20, although he is ready. «It was not to protect him physically», he said.

Next challenge in Copenhagen

Portugal's second fixture, against Denmark in Copenhagen, remains under the shadow of uncertainty, as Portuguese media again point out that the captain did not train at the Eleda Stadion and returned to the hotel for his individual routine.

The lack of equipment at the stadium would have triggered the conflict that forced Cristiano to return to the hotel, allowing him to follow his training plan without the Portuguese Football Federation indicating any physical issues.

Dialogue between the Federation and the captain

Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, traveled to Copenhagen to mediate the situation and watch the match against Denmark.

The SIC outlet, through journalist Nuno Luz, reported that Ronaldo had considered quitting international football after the 2026 World Cup, but a meeting with Jesús and Proença prevented that decision.

In that meeting it was agreed that Ronaldo would play the first and last match of the international break, participating for 30 minutes, as Jesús confirmed after the victory over Norway.

Nuno Luz noted that Ronaldo considered the situation unnecessary and felt in an ungrateful position warming up without entering, although he posted on his social media a photo with the Portuguese flag and a heart.