Story perspectives

Ronaldo ends Portugal career after Nations League bench decision

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 6:29 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s Copenhagen camp, ending his international career.
He posted on Instagram after Jorge Jesus’s press conference and a talk with president Pedro Proença.
Coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would not start the Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo was a substitute in the 2-1 Norway win, his first bench appearance in 18 years.
He ends his career with 234 caps, 146 goals, age 41 and 979 goals.

History

Historical Context

In 1994, after scoring 34 goals in 91 appearances, Diego Maradona was expelled from the World Cup in the United States for testing positive for ephedrine, receiving a FIFA suspension. His abrupt exit forced Argentina to rebuild its attack, echoing earlier national-team upheavals such as the 2010 coaching change, and underscoring how star forwards shape Argentine football identity.

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Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s Copenhagen camp, ending his international career.
He posted on Instagram after Jorge Jesus’s press conference and a talk with president Pedro Proença.
Coach Jorge Jesus said Ronaldo would not start the Nations League match against Denmark.
Ronaldo was a substitute in the 2-1 Norway win, his first bench appearance in 18 years.
He ends his career with 234 caps, 146 goals, age 41 and 979 goals.

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