Ronaldo suspended as Italian Football Federation opens disciplinary action
The Portuguese Federation ordered the provisional suspension of Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain left the national team camp because of a misunderstanding with coach Jorge Jesus; the player acknowledged that he deserved a sanction and requested the disciplinary measure himself.
The incident arose during the first break of the National team in the 2026/27 season, where the relationship with technical director Jorge Jesus, former coach of Ronaldo at Al Nassr in the 2025/26 season, was put to the test. The breaking point occurred after the 2‑1 victory over Norway, when the 41‑year‑old remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes despite having completed the warm‑up and Jesus had initially indicated the possibility of using him.
Tension after the victory over Norway
At the end of the match Ronaldo, visibly upset, did not join the teammates in greeting the Portuguese fans. Jesus later admitted that the player was dissatisfied for being sent to warm up without entering the field, while initially denying the existence of an actual confrontation.
In the following days the captain did not attend the regular sessions, worked separately and missed three consecutive trainings. He then permanently left the camp, departing Denmark to head to Madrid; the Federation confirmed the exit of the player from the group, while the team continued its path in the Nations League.
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Disciplinary procedure initiated
A disciplinary procedure against Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro has been launched, following a decision of the Non‑Professional Section on 9 October 2026, the Portuguese Federation announced in an official statement.
Ronaldo returned to his club, Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where on Friday he scored a decisive goal in the 3‑0 victory over Diriyah. On the same day he posted a letter on social media apologising to his teammates, admitting that he had mishandled the situation and had broken the trust in the coach.
Possible sanctions and commitment with the national team
The captain emphasized that the behaviour of the coach contributed to the rupture, but stated that he is ready to accept the consequences without requesting mitigating factors: «The consequences of my actions must be evaluated and punished by the Federation. The punishment should not include any mitigating factor. I am not an ordinary player: I am the captain of the team and this represents an aggravating circumstance». The regulations provide for a suspension of one to six months for anyone who abandons national team activities, a sanction that Ronaldo said he will accept.
The 41‑year‑old has so far amassed 234 caps for Portugal, scoring 146 goals, and has not hidden his desire to continue wearing the national shirt. Portugal will return to the field in November against Denmark and Wales for the final matches of the group stage of the Nations League 2026/27, maintaining the leadership of Group 4 of League A with 12 points, while awaiting the final outcome of the disciplinary procedure.