Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from training raises questions

01.10.26 14:45 UEFA Nations League A

Denmark

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Portugal

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Cristiano Ronaldo did not take part in Portugal’s collective training session in Malmö on Tuesday, two days before the Nations League match against Denmark. The Portugal captain carried out individual work at the hotel, while his absence came after he remained on the bench throughout the victory over Norway (2-1).

Cristiano Ronaldo was present at the Eleda Stadion before the start of the session. He spoke with Jorge Jesus but did not join his teammates during the 15 minutes of training open to the press. He then left the stadium to return to the hotel.

The Portuguese Football Federation explained that Ronaldo was due to carry out individual work and that the Malmö stadium did not have the necessary equipment. The player therefore continued his preparations in the hotel gym.

The absence came two days after Portugal’s victory over Norway. Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire 90 minutes in Oslo, despite being available for the match.

Read also: Ronaldo may not play in the next match against Denmark!

A situation that has raised questions

After the match, Jorge Jesus explained that he had initially planned to bring Ronaldo on in the second half. The coach ultimately decided to keep Gonçalo Ramos on the pitch, believing that the course of the match did not justify the change.

Ronaldo had also left the pitch quickly after the final whistle and did not take part in thanking the Portuguese supporters. Several media outlets interpreted this attitude as a sign of discontent.

According to reports carried by, among others, the Portuguese press and the SIC channel, prior discussions may have focused on Ronaldo’s playing time during this international window. These details have not been publicly confirmed by the player or the Federation.

Pedro Proença travels to Copenhagen

The president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, brought forward his arrival in Denmark. He was initially due to attend Portugal’s U21 match against Gibraltar in the Azores, but ultimately travelled to Copenhagen to join the senior squad.

A meeting with Jorge Jesus and Cristiano Ronaldo had been announced in an attempt to ease the tensions that emerged after the match against Norway. But according to RTP, Ronaldo and Jesus had another discussion on Tuesday evening, and their disagreement had reportedly already been resolved before Proença’s arrival.

Portugal must now prepare for its trip to Copenhagen, where it will face Denmark on Thursday on matchday three of the Nations League. After two matchdays, Portugal have six points and sit top of Group A4.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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UEFA Nations League A