Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal captain punished over walkout following explosive row with head coach Jorge Jesus
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo claimed head coach Jorge Jesus twice broke his word about the star's role in the team after he walked out on the national team's camp on the eve of a match; he has now been punished for his actions
Monday 19 October 2026 20:05, UK
Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for 30 days and fined £215 over his walkout from the Portugal national team.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has been punished by the Portuguese FA after he left the national team camp in Copenhagen before a Nations League fixture against Denmark.
The 41-year-old had fallen out with Portugal's new head coach Jorge Jesus over his involvement in the team. Ronaldo later accused Jesus of broken promises and a "breach of trust" but the coach denied there had been any agreement.
Ronaldo asked to be punished by the Portuguese FA when he posted a lengthy letter detailing the circumstances which led to his departure from the camp. Ronaldo said he wanted to be spared any leniency.
However, the player reported to be the highest-paid footballer in the world could pay off his fine from the Portuguese FA in just over 38 seconds based on his estimated wages at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.
Ronaldo reportedly earns £488,000 per day from his Al Nassr salary, while Forbes estimate his total football earnings for 2026 will reach £225m.
Portugal's next match is against Denmark in the Nations League on November 14. The statement from the disciplinary council of the Portuguese FA does not specify when Ronaldo's ban begins.
If the ban is retrospective, it would make Ronaldo available to play in Portugal's next matches against Denmark and Wales. That would mean it is up to Jesus to decide if Ronaldo should be called up.
Ronaldo's last appearance for Portgual was in the 1-0 win over Wales in Lisbon in September.
