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Ronaldo Leaves Copenhagen Camp After Not Starting

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 2:05 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s Copenhagen camp on 30 September 2026 after being told he would not start.
Coach Jorge Jesus said he alone decides substitutions and denied any incident with Ronaldo.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the exit and said the 24-player squad will prepare for Denmark and Norway.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called federation president Pedro Proença about the crisis.
Rafael Leão received Ronaldo’s number 7 shirt for the Denmark match.

History

Historical Context

Ronaldo’s 2008 season at Manchester United, where he netted 31 league goals and won the Premier League Golden Boot, cemented his status as a high-value star, a factor that later fueled disputes over his role. In September 2026 Portugal coach Jorge Jesus excluded him from the Copenhagen squad, prompting Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to intervene, echoing past tensions between elite players and governing bodies.

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Story summary

Cristiano Ronaldo left Portugal’s Copenhagen camp on 30 September 2026 after being told he would not start.
Coach Jorge Jesus said he alone decides substitutions and denied any incident with Ronaldo.
The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed the exit and said the 24-player squad will prepare for Denmark and Norway.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro called federation president Pedro Proença about the crisis.
Rafael Leão received Ronaldo’s number 7 shirt for the Denmark match.

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