Jesus rejects claims of rift with Ronaldo after Portugal benching
September 30, 2026 20:41
WHAT HAPPENED
Jesus told media there was "no incident whatsoever" after reports suggested Ronaldo had refused to train and was unhappy at being left out. The forward did not join team-mates in going over to the visiting fans at the final whistle and instead headed to the changing rooms. Portuguese media later shared a video of Ronaldo leaving Parken stadium alongside two members of the backroom staff.
KEY CONTEXT
Jesus said he had informed Ronaldo before the match that he would not be starting, but that the player "might be brought on later in the game." "Afterwards, as coach, I decided not to bring him on. It's nothing to make a fuss about," Jesus added. He also dismissed suggestions Ronaldo had refused to train on Tuesday, saying the 41-year-old had to do individual exercises for "mobility" and "strengthening" and would train as normal on Wednesday. Jesus acknowledged the frustration a player can feel: "Any player - and I was a player myself - when you spend 20 or 30 minutes warming up and then don't get on, no-one is happy about that."
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Goncalo Ramos scored the winner against Norway and Jesus confirmed the AC Milan striker would again be preferred to Ronaldo for the Nations League match against Denmark: "If everything goes according to plan, it will be Goncalo who plays."