From Blatter’s ‘slavery’ remark to latest walkout: Ronaldo’s long history of rifts

Cristiano Ronaldo’s latest departure from Portugal’s national-team camp has raised questions about whether the 41-year-old has played his final international match. Portugal’s greatest-ever goalscorer, with a men’s-record 146 international goals, left camp after being an unused substitute in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway.

Coach Jorge Jesus, who said there was “no issue,” nevertheless acknowledged mistakes in managing Ronaldo’s role. Ronaldo said he would eventually explain his reasons to the Portuguese public, leaving his immediate future uncertain.

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Ronaldo’s Portugal future uncertain after walkout

The episode is consistent with a long history of tensions between Ronaldo and managers, teammates and clubs. Although he has enjoyed extraordinary success—including Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, five Ballon d’Or awards and five Champions League titles—his career has repeatedly featured public disagreements over playing time, tactics, transfers and his status within teams.

MAJOR INCIDENTS

• 2008 – Manchester United: Ronaldo publicly supported FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s controversial comparison between players being prevented from leaving clubs and “modern slavery” as he pushed for a move to Real Madrid. He eventually transferred to Madrid in 2009.
• 2008–09 – Manchester United: Ronaldo twice attracted attention for his reactions to substitutions and playing decisions, including walking toward the tunnel during a match against Sunderland and visibly protesting his substitution against Manchester City.
• 2012 – Real Madrid: After scoring twice against Granada, Ronaldo refused to celebrate and said he was unhappy because of a “professional issue” known to the club. He did not publicly explain the matter in detail.
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• 2013 – José Mourinho: Ronaldo’s relationship with Mourinho deteriorated toward the end of Mourinho’s Real Madrid tenure. Mourinho later criticised Ronaldo publicly, saying the forward believed he “knows everything.”
• 2015 – Rafa Benítez: Ronaldo’s relationship with Benítez received scrutiny amid reports of tactical disagreements. Ronaldo publicly praised former manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had preceded Benitez.
• 2021 – Juventus: Ronaldo was left out of Juventus’ starting lineup for the season opener amid uncertainty over his future. He subsequently returned to Manchester United before leaving the club again in 2022.
• 2022 – Manchester United: Ronaldo reacted angrily to being substituted by Ralf Rangnick and later became embroiled in reports of tensions over the captaincy. The situation deteriorated further after he refused to enter a match against Tottenham and left the stadium early. A highly critical interview with Piers Morgan preceded his departure from United by mutual agreement.
• 2022 – Portugal: Fernando Santos dropped Ronaldo for Portugal’s World Cup knockout match against Switzerland. Replacement Gonçalo Ramos scored a hat trick in a 6-1 victory. Ronaldo’s omission generated controversy, although the Portuguese federation denied reports that he had threatened to leave the national team.

THE LATEST DISPUTE

Ronaldo’s September 30, 2026 departure follows a relatively calmer period with Portugal. Under former coach Roberto Martínez, he remained an important figure at two major tournaments, while continuing to score heavily for Al Nassr.

The latest disagreement is particularly notable because Jesus previously worked with Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Ronaldo’s decision to leave after being unused against Norway, followed by a conversation with the Portuguese Football Feeration president and a public farewell wishing teammates “good luck,” has intensified speculation about the future.

Whether this marks the end of Ronaldo’s 23-year international career remains unknown. What is clear is that managing the transition from an ageing superstar to a different team structure has repeatedly presented challenges throughout his career. Ronaldo’s eventual explanation may clarify whether the latest dispute is temporary—or the final chapter of his extraordinary Portugal career.