Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has been provisionally suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation, but president Pedro Proença has made it clear that Portugal still wants its captain back in November.
The federation opened disciplinary proceedings against the 41-year-old forward over his decision to leave the national team camp in Copenhagen on September 30, following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
In a statement, the federation’s Disciplinary Council said the case would examine whether Ronaldo’s actions warranted further punishment. It also confirmed that he had been placed under a provisional suspension while the investigation continues.
Ronaldo left the camp after being an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway on September 27. He had warmed up during the match but was not brought on, a decision that deepened tensions between the forward and Jesus.
Ronaldo later accused the coach of breaking an agreement over his playing time. He subsequently apologised to his teammates for his conduct and accepted that the federation could punish him.
He also said he remained willing to represent Portugal.
Despite the disciplinary action, Proença has expressed his desire to bring the captain back into the squad.
“The Federation, the coach Jorge Jesus and the players are all aligned: we want Cristiano Ronaldo back,” Proença said, according to Fabrizio Romano.
“Cristiano’s also willing to return, so I’m expecting him back in November already. The teammates want Cristiano back.”
Proença also described Ronaldo as “the best player of all time”.
His comments came as the federation confirmed the disciplinary proceedings, leaving Portugal to address both the potential punishment and the possibility of Ronaldo’s return.
Portugal are scheduled to face Denmark on November 14 before travelling to Wales three days later. Ronaldo’s availability for those matches will depend on the outcome of the disciplinary process and the coaching staff’s selection decisions.
The situation presents a challenge for Portugal as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue. Ronaldo remains the country’s all-time leading scorer, and his experience makes him a significant figure in the squad. However, his standing as captain does not settle the question of how the federation should respond to his departure from camp.
Portugal now has to resolve the disciplinary case while determining Ronaldo’s place in its plans for the coming months.
The federation wants him back, and Ronaldo remains available for selection. Whether he returns in November will depend on how the matter is resolved.
