For more than 20 years, Portugal meant Ronaldo. Now the story that Ronaldo has retired from international football has broken in the most dramatic way possible, with a walkout, a private jet, and a promise to explain later. Here’s what we know, what’s still unconfirmed, and why the controversy is so big.
Ronaldo retires from international football: is it official?
Not yet. Ronaldo’s own statement said he had decided to leave the national team camp after Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with federation president Pedro Proença. He wished Portugal and his teammates luck but stopped short of announcing his international retirement.
The retirement claim comes from O Jogo, which reports that he has made an irreversible decision never to return. Portugal’s federation also hasn’t announced it. Ronaldo has said he will tell the Portuguese public his reasons in due course, so expect more.
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What happened between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus?
The trouble started on the bench. Ronaldo started Portugal’s 1-0 win over Wales and was substituted in the 67th minute. Then, in the 2-1 win over Norway, he stayed on the bench even though he had warmed up, while Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner.
Jesus later admitted he had told Ronaldo he would get a few minutes against Norway, then changed his mind because of how the game went. He added that any player would be upset about that. Ronaldo then stopped training with the group.
On Wednesday, Jesus told reporters there was no issue between them and that Ronaldo would train. Shortly after, Ronaldo left the Parken Stadium in a federation car without taking part, and reportedly flew to Madrid on his private jet. Jesus had also told Ronaldo he would not start against Denmark.
Ronaldo retires from international football: what Jesus says
Jesus has denied a feud. He accepted that someone of Ronaldo’s stature deserves a different kind of attention, but insisted the rules are the same for everyone. He has also defended his authority over team selection.
The Prime Minister gets involved
The row has gone all the way to the top. Portuguese media report that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro spoke separately to Ronaldo, Jesus and Proença. The federation chief had even changed his schedule to fly to Copenhagen and meet both men before the Denmark game.
Why Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt went to Rafael Leão
This is the detail that went viral. For the Denmark match, UEFA listed Rafael Leão in the No. 7 shirt, with Fábio Silva taking Leão’s old No. 17. It looks harsh, but UEFA requires every player on the matchday sheet to wear a number from 1 to 23, so the shirt had to go to somebody once Ronaldo was out of the squad.
Neither the federation nor UEFA has said the number is permanently Leão’s, so it isn’t proof that Ronaldo retired.
Could Ronaldo be punished?
Possibly. Reports note that federation rules allow a suspension and fine if a player abandons national team duty without justification. Nothing has been announced.
Was this planned all along?
One report, citing Marca, says Ronaldo had planned to retire internationally after the World Cup but was persuaded by Portugal to stay. That is unconfirmed. It also adds an irony, since Jesus, who coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, was seen by many as the man who would prolong his international career.
What Ronaldo leaves behind
Whatever happens next, the numbers are staggering. According to UEFA’s figures, Ronaldo is the all-time leading men’s international goalscorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances. He made his debut in 2003 against Kazakhstan, and helped Portugal win Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. This is why the story that Ronaldo retires from international football has hit so hard.
What happens next?
Three things to watch:
- Ronaldo’s explanation: he’s promised to speak, and it could change the story.
- Federation action: whether there’s any sanction, or a formal farewell.
- Portugal’s direction: Jesus’s side now has to move on without its captain, while Portugal sit top of their Nations League group.
Final word
The story that Ronaldo retires from international football is still developing, and the biggest question, his own explanation, hasn’t been answered yet. We’ll update this post as soon as Ronaldo or the federation speaks.
Was Ronaldo right to walk out, or was Jesus right to bench him? Tell us in the comments.
FAQ
Has Ronaldo retired from international football?
Not officially. He left Portugal’s camp on September 30 and promised to explain later, while O Jogo reports his decision not to return is final.
Why did Ronaldo leave the Portugal camp?
After a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus over playing time. He was benched against Norway and told he wouldn’t start against Denmark.
Who has Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt?
Rafael Leão wore it against Denmark, because UEFA requires squad numbers from 1 to 23. It hasn’t been confirmed as permanent.
How many goals did Ronaldo score for Portugal?
146 goals in 234 appearances, a men’s international record.
Did Portugal’s Prime Minister get involved?
Portuguese media report that Luís Montenegro spoke to Ronaldo, Jesus and Proença.
