Cristiano Ronaldo is still scoring, but his next appearance for Portugal is no longer entirely in his control. The 41-year-old has been provisionally suspended after leaving the national team’s training camp, raising the possibility that his international career could remain on hold even as he moves closer to 1,000 goals.
Ronaldo scored his 981st career goal for Al Nassr against Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite on Monday, October 12, bringing him within 19 of the landmark. Three days earlier, he had opened the scoring in a 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Diriyah. His pursuit of 1,000 career goals continues, while the situation with Portugal remains unresolved.
The trouble began during September’s international break. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway on September 27. He subsequently accused national-team coach Jorge Jesus of promising him approximately 30 minutes of playing time, having him warm up and then leaving him on the bench. Jesus disputed Ronaldo’s account of their agreement.
Three days later, Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen before the match against Denmark. He announced the decision publicly following a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, initially withholding the full reasons for his departure.
On October 6, Ronaldo explained his position in a lengthy statement, accusing Jesus of twice failing to honor commitments. He also apologized to supporters and teammates, accepted responsibility for leaving camp and acknowledged that his conduct warranted disciplinary consequences. His explanation made one distinction clear: he wanted to continue representing Portugal, not simply arrange a farewell appearance.
What happens next for Ronaldo and Portugal?
The Portuguese Football Federation opened disciplinary proceedings on October 9, confirming a provisional suspension and treating the case as urgent. The matter was referred for investigation the following day. Under the relevant regulations, leaving national-team activities without justification can carry a suspension of one to six months and a financial penalty, although mitigating circumstances may affect any final punishment.
No final suspension length or fine has been announced. Ronaldo’s current restriction is preventive, meaning his immediate eligibility depends on the disciplinary proceedings rather than a completed ruling.
Despite the formal action, the federation appears eager to welcome its captain back. Proença has publicly expressed a desire for Ronaldo’s return and indicated that the federation, coach and players share that aim. He has also stressed that the disciplinary committee operates independently and will determine the outcome without interference.
Portugal has continued winning without Ronaldo. After his departure, Jesus’s side defeated Denmark 4-2 and Norway 2-1, completing four victories from its first four Nations League matches. Three of those wins came without Ronaldo appearing on the field. The results offer Jesus a strong foundation as he establishes his approach following the 2026 World Cup.
For Ronaldo, the question now extends beyond whether he’s still capable of contributing. His goalscoring at Al Nassr provides an argument for his continued selection, but rebuilding trust with Jesus will require an understanding of his role in the squad. His public disagreement with the coach cannot be settled by his club performances alone.
November fixtures and the road to 1,000 goals
Portugal’s next Nations League fixtures are against Denmark on November 14 and Wales on November 17. Portuguese reporting has suggested that the initial preventive-suspension period could end before those games, although a longer final sanction remains possible. Whether Ronaldo is eligible, selected or involved will depend on developments in the coming weeks.
Ronaldo has already acknowledged that his playing career may be approaching its end. In August, he described this as probably his final year in football, without announcing a firm retirement date. His international future carries a different uncertainty. After the World Cup, he had prepared a farewell message to Portugal, but Proença encouraged him to continue, according to Ronaldo’s account.
The captain has since made his intentions clear. He wants to compete for Portugal again once any punishment has been served. Now, with 981 career goals and another international window approaching, the decision rests with the disciplinary committee and a coach whose relationship with Ronaldo has become one of Portugal’s most consequential questions.
