Jacob Friis jokes about Cristiano Ronaldo's exit – it sparks a stir

Cristiano Ronaldo Finnish coach Jacob Friis caused a surprising confrontation when the 41‑year‑old left the Portuguese national team early, sparking a story far beyond Portugal.

Finnish humour after the departure

Jacob Friis, who worked as a co‑coach at FC Augsburg from 2023 to 2025, used the incident at a press conference before the match against Albania to make a joke. He said: “Yesterday none of the players left by private jet, so everyone is ready for action.” The comment immediately brought the incident into international focus.

Ronaldo explains his actions

The superstar flew out of the training camp with his private jet and posted on Instagram that after a press conference with the national coach and a conversation with the president of the Portuguese football association he decided to leave the camp. With this he confirmed that his departure was voluntary.

Portugal’s national coach Jorge Jesus had previously placed Gonçalo Ramos in the starting eleven. Earlier, Ronaldo had spent the full 90 minutes on the bench during a 2‑1 win over Norway before he left the camp.

Just a few days after Ronaldo’s departure, Denmark beat Portugal 4‑2. The win was portrayed in the media as a direct consequence of the absence of the best Portuguese striker.

The Portuguese prime minister contacted Ronaldo to persuade him otherwise. At the same time, the football association is planning a crisis meeting where both Ronaldo and Jesus are expected to be present to repair the relationship.

The association wants to organise a big farewell event for the record‑holding international before the country acts as host for the 2030 World Cup. Ronaldo is considered an important ambassador for the commercial activities surrounding the tournament.