The fallout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal’s national team continues following his abrupt departure from the squad during the UEFA Nations League. (Scroll down to watch video)
Ronaldo’s relationship with head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly deteriorated over concerns about his playing time and the coach’s handling of the situation, leading to the Al-Nassr striker leaving the team camp a day before Portugal’s 4-2 win over Denmark.
In the win without Ronaldo, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha said the team “took a step forward in attack”. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
Reacting to the tension between Ronaldo and the Portugal camp, former Brazil, Juventus and Galatasaray midfielder Felipe Melo has backed the veteran striker while criticising members of the Portuguese national team.
“There is a grotesque difference in the way the Portuguese treat Cristiano Ronaldo and the way the Argentines treat Lionel Messi.”
“It’s wrong … nobody comes close to Cristiano Ronaldo. You can’t let him leave like nothing happened” Melo said.
The viral video was liked on Instagram by Cristiano Ronaldo’s instagram page. Portugal take on Norway on Sunday, October 4 to close out their four game UEFA Nations League scheduled.
📲 Cristiano Ronaldo liked Sport TV’s post featuring Felipe Melo defending him, highlighting the difference in how his Portugal teammates treat him compared to how Argentina’s players treat Lionel Messi, and reiterating that none of Ronaldo’s teammates are on his level:
— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) October 2, 2026
