Cristiano Ronaldo is under growing pressure in Portugal after leaving the national team camp, with leading Portuguese journalists questioning the captain’s actions following his dispute with Jorge Jesus.
Portuguese media turn up pressure on Ronaldo after dramatic Portugal exit
Cristiano Ronaldo is facing strong criticism from sections of the Portuguese media after his dramatic decision to leave the national team camp.
The Portugal captain departed Copenhagen following several tense days involving head coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo later confirmed his decision and promised to explain “the truth” behind his departure at the right time.
But before that explanation arrives, some leading Portuguese journalists have already questioned his behaviour.
A BOLA delivers strong criticism
One of the strongest reactions came from Portuguese newspaper A BOLA.
In an opinion article published on October 1, journalist Luís Pedro Ferreira described the situation as:
“O pecado capital de Cristiano Ronaldo.”
In English:
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s greatest sin.”
The article recognised Ronaldo’s historic contribution to Portugal but strongly criticised the way the latest crisis developed.
Its main message was simple:
“Nunca se abandona a equipa.”
Meaning:
“You never abandon the team.”
The writer argued that Ronaldo had every right to be unhappy with a coaching decision, but any disagreement should have been handled privately.
Ronaldo’s words and actions questioned
The controversy began after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
Ronaldo stayed on the bench for the entire match despite warming up during the second half.
After the final whistle, he went directly to the dressing room rather than remaining with his teammates.
That reaction immediately became a major talking point in Portugal.
A separate A BOLA article then highlighted what it saw as a contradiction.
Only days earlier, Ronaldo had said he would accept any role Jesus gave him, including starting on the bench or not playing.
But after he later left the camp, the newspaper wrote:
“A teoria ruiu na prática.”
Meaning:
“The theory collapsed in practice.”
Senior journalist questions Ronaldo’s duties
Criticism had already started before Ronaldo officially left Copenhagen.
A BOLA deputy editor Nuno Travassos questioned his behaviour following the Norway match.
He argued that Ronaldo had responsibilities not only to himself, but also to teammates and supporters.
Travassos wrote:
“Não pode reclamar direitos e esquecer deveres.”
In English:
“He cannot demand rights and forget his duties.”
The article suggested Ronaldo’s own reaction helped turn a coaching decision into a much bigger national-team controversy.
Expresso mentions a possible ‘tantrum’
Tribuna Expresso also used strong language when discussing Ronaldo’s response.
The outlet referred to his reaction as:
“uma espécie de birra.”
That roughly translates as:
“a kind of tantrum.”
Expresso later reported that Ronaldo did not appear in the main Portugal training session before eventually leaving the camp.
Jesus admits Ronaldo was angry
Jorge Jesus publicly admitted that Ronaldo was unhappy after not being used against Norway.
The coach explained that he had originally considered bringing Ronaldo on, but the match developed differently.
Jesus acknowledged that Ronaldo was angry but insisted his decision was made for the good of the team.
The coach initially suggested the issue had been resolved, but Ronaldo’s later departure created fresh questions.
Ronaldo promises to reveal ‘the truth’
Ronaldo eventually confirmed that he had decided to leave the camp after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
He also promised supporters that he would explain “the truth” at the appropriate time.
His international future is now surrounded by uncertainty.
Not all Portuguese media are attacking Ronaldo
There is one important clarification.
It would not be accurate to say the entire Portuguese media has turned against Ronaldo.
The strongest criticism has mainly come from individual journalists and opinion pieces, particularly at A BOLA, as well as some of the language used by Tribuna Expresso.
Other outlets have largely focused on reporting the facts surrounding his departure.
Pressure grows around Portugal captain
Ronaldo has been Portugal’s biggest football figure for more than two decades.
That history is also why his latest actions are receiving so much attention.
The debate is no longer only about whether Ronaldo should start matches.
It is also about leadership, responsibility and how Portugal should handle the final stage of his international career.
For now, Ronaldo has not fully explained why he left the squad.
His promise to reveal “the truth” means this controversy may be far from over.
