Advertisement
Emergency talks planned as Ronaldo misses Portugal training after Norway omission
30th September, 2026 03:19 PM
Portugal have moved to address growing tensions surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo after the captain was left on the bench during the team’s victory over Norway and subsequently missed part of the squad’s training preparations.
Ronaldo featured in Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales on Thursday, September 24, 2026, but was not introduced during their 2-1 win against Norway on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The decision appeared to frustrate the veteran forward, who reportedly went directly to the dressing room after the final whistle in Oslo.
Concerns increased when Ronaldo did not take part in a subsequent full team training session as Portugal prepared for their next Nations League fixture against Denmark on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo arrived at the Eleda Stadion in Malmo wearing training gear and was on the pitch before the session began. However, he held discussions with head coach Jorge Jesus before leaving the field and returning to the team hotel.
The Portuguese Football Federation explained that Ronaldo subsequently carried out his gym work because the stadium’s facilities did not have the equipment required for his programme.
The development has prompted Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca to travel to Copenhagen, where he is expected to meet Ronaldo and Jesus in an attempt to clarify the situation.
Proenca had originally been scheduled to watch Portugal’s Under-21 team face Gibraltar in Ponta Delgada on Wednesday. However, those plans were changed following the developments surrounding Ronaldo.
The federation chief reportedly declined to comment when approached by journalists at Humberto Delgado Airport before travelling.
A Bola reported that Ronaldo and Jesus had already held a discussion which “went well and left a positive impression”, raising hopes that the conversation could “ease the tension that has prevailed since the Norway match”.
Portuguese publication Record also reported that the pair had a private discussion and “reached an agreement regarding the controversy surrounding the Norway match”.
However, Proenca is still expected to seek further clarification when he meets the two men.
Ronaldo has yet to issue a public statement regarding the incident. Instead, he posted a photograph of himself wearing Portugal’s training kit alongside his country’s flag and a heart emoji on Instagram.
Figo backs Jesus over Ronaldo selection
Portugal great Luis Figo has also commented on the situation, stressing that Ronaldo’s status and achievements should not determine whether he plays for the national team.
Figo said the final decision should remain with Jesus, who has responsibility for selecting the team.
“In terms of national team, it is the coach who has to decide,” Figo told ESPN.
“It’s not because you have a statue or what he means for football, or what he still means today, that he should have a place.
“So it’s a big responsibility for the coach,” he said. “In terms of his own decision, it is only him that can say what he wants, what he plans and what is his future.”
Portugal have two more Nations League matches ahead, with attention now focused on whether the Ronaldo situation can be settled before the team’s next fixture.
