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Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal captain punished over walkout following explosive row with head coach Jorge Jesus

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo claimed head coach Jorge Jesus twice broke his word about the star's role in the team after he walked out on the national team's camp on the eve of a match; he has now been punished for his actions but will not miss any Portugal matches

· 364 words· updated October 19, 2026 at 04:37 PM

The Portuguese FA's disciplinary council did not specify when Ronaldo's ban begins, but Sky Sports News understands it is enforced from the date he left the squad's training camp in Denmark on September 30.

It means the 41-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is available to play in Portugal's Nations League matches next month against Denmark and Wales if he is called upon by Jesus.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner asked to be punished by the Portuguese FA when he posted a lengthy letter detailing the circumstances which led to his departure from the camp. Ronaldo said he wanted to be spared any leniency.

However, the player reported to be the highest-paid footballer in the world could pay off his fine from the Portuguese FA in 39 seconds based on his estimated wages at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

Ronaldo reportedly earns £488,000 per day from his Al Nassr salary, while Forbes estimate his earnings for 2026 will reach £225m.

The captain's fall-out with Jesus began after he was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo. Ronaldo claims he was told he would be brought on and had warmed up only for Jesus to change his mind.

Ronaldo missed the game against Denmark and the home match against Norway, both of which Portugal won to leave them top of Nations League Group A4 with a perfect record from four matches.

After the second win over Norway, Jesus insisted the door remained open for Ronaldo, who subsequently apologised for his actions and admitted he deserved to be sanctioned.

The Portuguese federation's disciplinary council announced Ronaldo's punishment in a 28-page document on Monday evening, saying it was "adequate and sufficient" for the player's "serious infraction".

Ronaldo is Portugal's record goalscorer and appearance holder with 146 goals in 234 caps. He said in his near-2000-word statement last month that he hopes his international career is not over yet.

Jesus did not comment when asked for his response to Ronaldo's lengthy statement to his 679 million Instagram followers. It is up to the Portugal head coach now to decide if Ronaldo is part of his plans for the next international break.

Gathered from external sources. Rights to this text belong to whoever originally published it.

Monday, October 19, 2026

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