Lisbon is looking ahead to November with Cristiano Ronaldo’s international future still unresolved. Portugal’s captain could return for the final UEFA Nations League group fixtures despite a provisional suspension imposed after he left the squad camp in Copenhagen.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, has made clear that there is a shared wish to bring the 41-year-old forward back into the national set-up. The federation, coaching staff and Ronaldo’s team-mates all want him available again, although the disciplinary process must first be completed.
Quick facts
- Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp in Copenhagen on 30 September.
- He departed before the match against Denmark.
- A disciplinary case led to a temporary suspension while a final decision is pending.
- Portugal host Denmark on 14 November and travel to Wales on 17 November.
- Both matches conclude Portugal’s UEFA Nations League group campaign.
The dispute began after Jorge Jesus left Ronaldo among the substitutes against Norway. The coach then told the forward that he would not start the following match either, prompting Ronaldo to leave the camp before Portugal faced Denmark.
Portugal’s disciplinary council subsequently opened proceedings and applied an interim ban. No final punishment has yet been set, leaving his potential inclusion in the November squad dependent on the verdict.
Apology and possible return
Ronaldo has apologised for leaving the group and indicated that he is ready to accept the consequences of his actions. He has also signalled that he remains open to continuing his Portugal career.
As the country’s all-time leading scorer and one of its defining modern figures, Ronaldo remains central to the conversation around the national side. Proença said he hopes the forward will be back during the November international window.
For now, Portugal’s desire to restore their captain does not amount to confirmation of a recall. The disciplinary ruling will decide whether Ronaldo can again wear the national shirt when Denmark arrive on 14 November and Wales host Portugal three days later.
