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Portugal Federation Holds Emergency Meeting Over Ronaldo Bench Dispute

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 10:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jesus Defends Bench

Coach Jorge Jesus defended benching Cristiano Ronaldo, saying Portugal needed a player with different characteristics.
Jesus said Gonçalo Ramos’ scoring and disallowed goal prompted his substitution choice.
The Portuguese Football Federation convened an emergency meeting to address the Ronaldo-Jesus dispute.
Jesus confirmed Ramos will start Portugal’s next Nations League match against Denmark.
After the match, Jesus admitted he did not realize Ronaldo was upset when he walked away.

Summary

Ronaldo Leaves Camp

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, 2026.
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his departure on Instagram after coach Jorge Jesus’s press conference.
Cristiano Ronaldo said he will explain his reasons later.
Jorge Jesus told Cristiano Ronaldo he would start the Denmark match on the bench.
The federation said preparations will continue with the remaining 24 players after squad arrived without Cristiano Ronaldo or Jorge Jesus.

Summary

Dias Criticizes Media

Ruben Dias said media scrutiny of Cristiano Ronaldo’s conduct is exaggerated and out of proportion.
Dias said the squad worries far less about the issue than the public.
Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus met federation president Pedro Proença for a clear-the-air discussion.
Dias declined to comment on Manchester City’s financial case, limiting remarks to the national team.

History

Historical Context

In Euro 2004, hosted by Portugal, Scolari left star Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench for the final on 4 July, despite Ronaldo’s six-goal, 12-goal-team contribution. Greece’s 1-0 upset win marked the tournament’s first title and the only occasion the opening-match opponents met again in the final, a rarity that still shapes Portuguese debates over coach authority.

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Jesus Defends Bench

Coach Jorge Jesus defended benching Cristiano Ronaldo, saying Portugal needed a player with different characteristics.
Jesus said Gonçalo Ramos’ scoring and disallowed goal prompted his substitution choice.
The Portuguese Football Federation convened an emergency meeting to address the Ronaldo-Jesus dispute.
Jesus confirmed Ramos will start Portugal’s next Nations League match against Denmark.
After the match, Jesus admitted he did not realize Ronaldo was upset when he walked away.

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