Ronaldo Copenhagen Airport Dash After Leaving Portugal Camp Before Denmark
Jorge Jesus says there is no rift, but the Portugal captain has walked away from the squad and promises to speak out soon.
Cristiano Ronaldo – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines again after reports of a Ronaldo Copenhagen airport chase, where Portugal’s coach and federation boss tried to stop him from leaving. The star walked out of the national team camp on Wednesday night.
It all began when coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would sit on the bench for a second Nations League game in a row. The match was against Denmark.
Ronaldo was due to train at the Parken Stadium on the eve of the game. Instead, he left the camp soon after Jesus finished his press conference.
He shared the news on Instagram. He said he spoke with the Portuguese football federation president and then chose to leave the training camp.
Ronaldo also hinted that there is more to the story. He said he will tell the Portuguese people the truth about his reasons “in due course.” He then wished Portugal and his team-mates good luck.
Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca followed Ronaldo to Copenhagen airport. They hoped to change his mind. But the player boarded his private jet.
Earlier that day, Jesus said there was no problem between them. The 72-year-old coach knows Ronaldo well, as they worked together at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Jesus did admit that his captain was upset about the Norway game. Ronaldo spent all of that 2-1 win on the bench, even after warming up for a long time.
The coach said he told Ronaldo before the match that he might use him as a substitute. Then he decided not to. “It’s nothing to make a fuss about,” Jesus said.
Ronaldo had played in the 1-0 home win over Wales the week before, wearing the captain’s armband. The Norway game was the first time since November 2024 that he missed a match without an injury or a suspension.
Portugal did fine without him. The team beat Denmark 4-2 in a lively performance. Jesus planned to start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos again, after Ramos scored the winner in Norway.
The story spread fast online and brought a wave of memes. It also caused anger in Ronaldo’s family. His sister, Elma Aveiro, posted an emotional message on Instagram that criticised the Portuguese public.
There were also reports that Prime Minister Luis Montenegro spoke to the coach about the matter. That shows how big the issue has become in Portugal.
Jesus has kept a firm message all week. He said some players have status, but the rules are the same for everyone. About Ronaldo, he said he would bring him on if needed.
Ronaldo is 41 and has said this will probably be his last year in football. He is Portugal’s top scorer and most capped player, with 146 goals in 234 games.
He first played for his country in 2003, when he was 18. He helped Portugal reach the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals. In 2016, he captained the team to Euro glory.
This year, Portugal went out in the last 16 of the World Cup, beaten by eventual winners Spain.
Now fans wait for Ronaldo’s promised explanation. For now, it is unclear if this is a short break or the end of his time with the national team.
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