Ronaldo faces possible six-month ban after dramatic Portugal walkout
Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could face a suspension of up to six months and a substantial fine after abruptly leaving the Portugal national team camp ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark.
The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward reportedly left the Portuguese camp in Copenhagen on Wednesday, September 30, following growing tension surrounding his reduced role in the National team and a meeting with Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença.
According to the disciplinary regulations of the Portuguese Football Federation, a player who has been duly called up but unjustifiably leaves a National-team training camp, match or other official activity may face a suspension ranging from one to six months.
For professional players, the same provision allows an additional fine of between five and 10 accounting units, currently reported to be approximately €500 to €1,000. However, no disciplinary sanction has been announced against Ronaldo, and the circumstances surrounding his departure will have to be assessed before any punishment is imposed.
How the crisis began
The controversy intensified after Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway in Oslo.
Ronaldo had warmed up during the match but was ultimately not introduced. Manager Jorge Jesus later acknowledged that the decision not to bring him on was his, while denying that there was a personal dispute between the two men.
The situation became more tense when Jesus indicated that Ronaldo was not expected to start Portugal’s next Nations League fixture against Denmark.
Ronaldo subsequently held discussions with FPF president Pedro Proença before deciding to leave the camp. Reuters reported that Jesus and Proença even attempted to persuade the veteran forward to remain with the squad, but Ronaldo proceeded to leave on a private flight to Madrid.
In a social-media statement, Ronaldo confirmed his departure but did not disclose the full reason for his decision. He said he would explain what happened at the appropriate time and wished Portugal and his teammates success in their forthcoming matches.
Ronaldo’s sister joins the controversy
The dispute also spilled onto social media after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, criticised what she described as a lack of respect and appreciation for her brother.
Her comments added another layer to an already tense situation involving Ronaldo, the National-team set-up, sections of the Portuguese media and supporters.
However, neither Ronaldo nor the FPF has publicly provided a detailed account of all the circumstances that led to his departure.
Ronaldo’s famous No. 7 shirt handed to Leão
The immediate impact of Ronaldo’s exit was visible when Portugal reassigned his iconic No. 7 shirt to Rafael Leão for the match against Denmark.
UEFA’s official match information listed Leão as number seven, while Fábio Silva took over Leão’s former No. 17 shirt. Portuguese broadcaster RTP explained that the change follows UEFA competition rules requiring participating players to be assigned numbers from 1 to 23.
For Ronaldo, the No. 7 shirt has been closely associated with his International career since he inherited it after Luís Figo’s retirement following the 2006 World Cup.
The sight of another Portuguese player wearing the number therefore carries considerable symbolic weight, particularly as questions continue to surround Ronaldo’s future with the National team.
Portugal moves on without its captain
Portugal’s Nations League campaign continues with matches against Denmark and Norway, with Ronaldo absent from the squad.
The FPF has confirmed his departure while preparations continue with the remaining players. The Federation has not announced that Ronaldo has been suspended, meaning the widely reported six-month punishment remains a potential sanction rather than a confirmed decision.
For now, the football world is waiting for Ronaldo’s promised explanation and for the Portuguese football authorities to determine whether his departure breached disciplinary regulations.
Global Mirror News reports that whatever decision eventually emerges could have important implications for the final chapter of one of Portugal’s most celebrated international careers. Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and one of the most recognisable figures in world football, making the circumstances surrounding his sudden exit a major talking point far beyond the current Nations League fixtures.
