Cristiano Ronaldo walks out on Portugal squad after bench snub
The 41-year-old left the Portugal camp after coach Jorge Jesus kept him on the bench and rejected his expectations.
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal's national team squad in a dramatic walkout. Coach Jorge Jesus benched him for the match against Norway, breaking what Ronaldo believed was a promise he would play.
After staying warm on the sideline for 30 minutes without being brought on, Ronaldo left the pitch without joining his teammates to salute supporters. Jesus made clear in a press conference that no player, including Ronaldo, would dictate his tactics or lineup.
Ronaldo boarded a plane and posted on social media promising to reveal his side of the story soon. Supporters split over whether Ronaldo was right to walk out or whether his behaviour was selfish.
- 41
- Ronaldo's age
- 23 years
- International career length
- 1 to 6 months
- Potential suspension length
- 30 minutes
- Bench time before walkout
Why it mattersOne of football's greatest players risks ending his 23-year international career in conflict. He is at risk of an FPF suspension of between one and six months, as well as a fine.
AustraliaNo direct Australian impact, but the drama dominates global football talk and affects international fixture scheduling.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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