Portugal suspends Cristiano Ronaldo after he walked out on the national team

Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a provisional suspension by Portugal while the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) investigates his departure from the national team camp in September. The veteran forward left the squad after a disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus and has already missed the two subsequent fixtures, both of which ended in Nations League wins for the Portuguese side.

What happened between Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team

The turning point came on 27 September during Portugal's 2-1 away win over Norway in the Nations League. Ronaldo, his country's all-time leading scorer with 146 goals in 234 appearances, was left on the bench for the entire match. The 41-year-old did not take the decision well and walked out of the camp shortly afterwards.

Days later, he released a statement of nearly 2,000 words explaining his version of events. He spoke of a «breach of trust» with Jorge Jesus and claimed the coach had gone back on an agreement about his playing time. Even so, Ronaldo apologised for his reaction and admitted he deserved to be sanctioned.

The Portuguese FA opens disciplinary proceedings against the forward

The FPF acted in early October. The governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against the striker and ordered a non-automatic preventive suspension while the facts are clarified. The case has been sent to the federation's disciplinary instruction committee, which is working on an urgent basis to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.

Two wins without Ronaldo in the Nations League

Portugal have not missed their captain on the pitch. Without him, Jorge Jesus' side recorded back-to-back victories over Denmark and Norway, results that leave the team top of Group A4 with four wins from four matches. That run has only fuelled speculation that Ronaldo's international career could be nearing its end.

Jesus, however, has not closed the door on a return. After the Norway game, the head coach said Ronaldo will come back to the national team if he wants to. The decision appears to rest with the player himself, provided he first resolves his disciplinary situation.

Ronaldo responds in Saudi Arabia with a goal for Al Nassr

While the case runs its course, the forward has found shelter at club level. On Friday he scored one of Al Nassr's goals in their 3-0 Saudi Pro League win over Diriyah. It was a reminder that, despite the turmoil with Portugal, he remains in competitive shape and focused on his football.

What is at stake for Cristiano Ronaldo

The captain's international future is up in the air. At 41, his records are unmatched and he remains a key figure in the dressing room, but the clash with Jorge Jesus has opened a wound the federation wants to handle carefully. A provisional suspension is not a final punishment, yet it does rule him out of upcoming call-ups.

Portugal have their Nations League qualification well on track, which gives the federation room to operate. The priority is to determine whether Ronaldo's departure from the camp breached internal rules and what consequences should follow. Until then, the player remains outside the squad.