{
  "id": 11041295,
  "title": "Ronaldo leaves Portugal’s training camp after coach says he is dropped",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ronaldo-leaves-portugals-training-camp-after-coach-says-he-is-dropped-11041295",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T21:37:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/01/ronaldo-leaves-portugal-training-camp-after-coach-says-he-is-dropped"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Copenhagen: In a surprising turn of events, Portugal's leading goalscorer and most capped player, Cristiano Ronaldo, abruptly left the national team's training camp in Denmark on Wednesday. Coach Jorge Jesus had announced to reporters that Ronaldo would be dropped from their next match against Denmark. The veteran coach had revealed that Ronaldo, who spent the entire match on the bench during Portugal's victory over Norway, would not start the Nations League clash against Denmark either.\n\nFollowing the coach's press conference, Ronaldo decided to leave the training camp. In an Instagram post, he expressed his intention to share the reasons for his departure to the Portuguese people, whom he has always dedicated his efforts to. Ronaldo wished good luck to his teammates and the nation, but emphasized that he would reveal the truth behind his decision to leave the national team later.\n\nCoach Jorge Jesus had initially insisted that there was no rift between him and Ronaldo. However, he acknowledged that his captain had been disappointed to remain on the bench during Portugal's win over Norway. Jesus explained that he had informed Ronaldo before the match that he would not be in the starting lineup, but that Ronaldo might be brought on towards the end of the game. Despite this assurance, Jesus decided not to bring Ronaldo on during the match.\n\nRonaldo had not refused to train on Tuesday, contrary to claims made by some Portuguese media outlets. Instead, he participated in individual exercises for physical mobility and strengthening. However, Ronaldo did not join his teammates on the pitch in Copenhagen after arriving at the stadium in the team bus. Following the release of his social media post, the Portuguese federation confirmed that Ronaldo had left the squad's training camp.\n\nThe Portuguese federation stated that preparations for the two upcoming matches against Denmark and Norway would continue as planned with the remaining 24 squad members. Coach Jesus reiterated his intention to start AC Milan striker Goncalo Ramos against Denmark, and emphasized that Ronaldo would only come on if required. At 41 years old, Ronaldo recently announced that this season might be his last in football. He remains Portugal's leading goalscorer and most capped player, boasting an impressive tally of 146 goals in 234 appearances.",
  "summary": "Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo appeared upset after coach Roberto Martinez said he would again start on the bench against Denmark.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence after leaving Portugal's camp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/cristiano-ronaldo-breaks-silence-after-leaving-portugals-camp",
        "published": "2026-09-30T18:55:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Ronaldo leaves Portugal’s training camp after coach says he is dropped",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ronaldo-leaves-portugals-training-camp-after-coach-says-he-is-dropped",
        "published": "2026-09-30T21:37:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Ronaldo’s sister slams Portugal after CR7 leaves camp",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ronaldos-sister-slams-portugal-after-cr7-leaves-camp-11045812",
        "published": "2026-09-30T22:07:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}