Ronaldo banned for 30 days by Portugal after camp walkout
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation for walking out on Portugal's national team. The ban was imposed on Monday, 19 October 2026, alongside a fine of 255 euros (£189). The federation's disciplinary council upheld the charge against him in full. BBC Reuters
It ends a six-week standoff that started in September and stunned Portuguese football. Ronaldo was an unused substitute against Norway in the Nations League, UEFA's tournament for national teams that is played between World Cups and European Championships. When he learned he would not start the next match against Denmark, he left the squad. He walked out of the team's camp in Denmark and announced the decision himself on social media.
Coach Jorge Jesus and federation president Pedro Proenca tried to talk him round. According to earlier reporting, the pair went to the airport in a bid to stop Ronaldo boarding his flight. The attempt failed and he travelled home. Reuters
Ronaldo later said he left because Jesus had twice broken his word. He called it an absolute breach of trust. He said the understanding was that Jesus would publicly explain why Ronaldo had been omitted from the side. Jesus has denied making any such agreement. BBC
The federation opened disciplinary proceedings soon after the walkout. Ronaldo was then provisionally suspended on 9 October while the case was heard. That provisional ban counted towards the final punishment.
With 19 days already served at the time of the ruling on 19 October, he has 11 days left to serve. The 30-day suspension is due to end on 30 October. Gazzetta
Ronaldo has since apologised to his team-mates and to Portugal's supporters. He said he deserved to be punished for leaving the camp. Federation president Proenca said there is a strong desire to have Ronaldo back with the national team once the matter is resolved.
For fans, this means the door is still open. Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances for Portugal. No man has played more international matches or scored more international goals.
What makes this stand out is how rare such a split has been. Ronaldo has carried Portugal for more than two decades, through European Championship glory and long qualifying nights. A return after 30 October would give both player and coach a clean slate, and give supporters the reunion most of them want to see.
