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Cristiano Ronaldo boycotts Portugal training as Wales performance sees him axed

Cristiano Ronaldo has been plunged into crisis talks with Portugal after refusing to train following his shock omission from the side after the Wales win

Published: Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 1:54 PM
Cristiano Ronaldo boycotts Portugal training as Wales performance sees him axed
Key Things to Know
  • Cristiano Ronaldo refused to participate in normal training after being dropped to the bench against Norway.
  • Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus opted to leave Ronaldo as an unused substitute during Sunday's 2-1 victory.
  • Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença traveled to resolve the dispute between Ronaldo and Jesus.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Cristiano Ronaldo refused to take part in Portugal's regular training session following his omission from the team that defeated Norway 2-1 on Sunday. The 41-year-old forward was an unused substitute in Oslo after previously being taken off against Wales, prompting crisis talks ahead of Portugal's Nations League match against Denmark. Instead of training with the squad in Malmo, Ronaldo opted to work out alone in the hotel gym.

Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença changed travel plans to meet with Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus in an effort to ease tensions. Jesus explained that the game state against Norway prevented him from bringing Ronaldo on, especially after Gonçalo Ramos scored the decisive goal. Despite skipping group training, Ronaldo posted a photo wearing his national tracksuit with a heart emoji on social media.

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