Ronaldo Slams Door on Portugal: Son's Non-Selection Ignites Crisis

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portuguese national team camp amid a full-blown crisis, following an open rupture with head coach Jorge Jesus. Two grievances have accumulated: being sidelined during Sunday’s match against Norway, and the non-selection of his son Cristianinho with Portugal’s U17 squad.

It all started on the bench against Norway. The 41-year-old Ronaldo did not play a single minute and was sent to warm up during the match before being called back without entering play. After the game, he reportedly received private apologies from Jorge Jesus, who allegedly promised to repeat them publicly in a press conference. The 72-year-old head coach did not keep that promise, and Ronaldo decided to leave.

“After the national team coach’s press conference, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have decided to leave the training camp. In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself. This is the moment to wish good luck to Portugal and to all my teammates, without exception,” wrote the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on social media.

But the falling out with Jorge Jesus is not the only trigger. According to deputy director of Portuguese newspaper Record Vitor Pinto, Ronaldo was “also upset” by the non-selection of his 16-year-old son Cristianinho with Portugal’s U17 squad. The youth national team’s management reportedly felt that the striker’s current level, who plays for Al-Nassr like his father, was not sufficient to join the group. Cristianinho had previously represented Portugal at U15 and U16 level.

Frustrated by this double blow — personal and family — Ronaldo reportedly advised his close circle to make no public statements to avoid any escalation. The rupture nonetheless remains complete, and the historic captain of the Seleção has promised to explain himself soon on all the facts.