- Ronaldo received a 30-day ban and a €255 fine after leaving Portugal’s training camp.
- The former Manchester United manager claimed Ronaldo let the team down.
- Ronaldo’s relationship with Ten Hag deteriorated in 2022.
Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the centre of fresh controversy after reportedly receiving a 30-day suspension from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) for leaving the national team’s training camp.
Meanwhile, former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reignited their fallout by questioning the forward’s professionalism and work ethic during his second spell at Old Trafford.
Although the incidents are unrelated, both have renewed discussions about Ronaldo’s relationship with managers and his responsibilities towards the team.
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Why Was Cristiano Ronaldo Suspended By Portugal?
Ronaldo was reportedly handed a 30-day suspension and a €255 fine after leaving Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, 2026.
The incident followed disagreements over his role in the national team. Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27 and reportedly expected to receive playing time in the subsequent fixture against Denmark.
According to reports, the 41-year-old felt that head coach Jorge Jesus had broken his word regarding his involvement. Ronaldo subsequently left the team’s base, prompting disciplinary action from the FPF.
🚨💣 Cristiano Ronaldo has fired back at former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on his Instagram Story after the Dutchman criticized the football legend’s time at Man United in 2022. 🗣️ “I can accept criticism from top coaches like José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson, but not from someone like Erik ten Hag. I was coached by these top managers, and not once did they question my work rate. You don’t want to admit that you are a failure and a bad manager who will never be successful. Keep talking badly about me. Everyone will remember my name in football as the greatest of all time, but nobody will ever remember yours.”
— EMIJOTA (@Sir1Real) October 20, 2026
The suspension was backdated to October 1, meaning part of the ban had already been served when the punishment was announced. Ronaldo later apologised for his actions and accepted responsibility for the consequences.
Will Ronaldo Miss Portugal’s Upcoming Matches?
The backdated suspension is not expected to rule Ronaldo out of Portugal’s November Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales, provided he is selected.
His availability will depend on the completion of the suspension and the national team’s selection decisions.
What Did Erik ten Hag Say About Cristiano Ronaldo?
Separately, Ten Hag has offered a fresh account of his difficult relationship with Ronaldo at Manchester United.
Speaking about the Portuguese superstar, the Dutch manager said Ronaldo had let both him and the team down despite initially being part of his plans.
Ten Hag claimed the forward struggled to meet the required training intensity and tactical demands. He also alleged that Ronaldo encouraged teammates to conserve their energy during training rather than maintain the expected workload.
The manager acknowledged Ronaldo’s stature in football but stressed that every player must meet the team’s physical and tactical requirements.
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How Did Their Manchester United Fallout Begin?
Tensions escalated in October 2022 when Ronaldo refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and left the touchline area before the final whistle.
He subsequently criticised the club and Ten Hag during a televised interview, saying he did not respect the manager. Manchester United terminated his contract by mutual agreement in November 2022, paving the way for his move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.