Romario Defends Ronaldo After Portugal Camp Exit Amid Jorge Jesus Row
Romario has backed Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s Nations League camp, arguing the captain had been publicly undermined after being left out against Norway.
The former Brazil striker said Ronaldo was right to depart before Portugal’s match with Denmark after a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo had warmed up but remained unused against Norway, with the row escalating after a private discussion between the pair.
Ronaldo and Jesus dispute
- Ronaldo started Portugal’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales and was later substituted.
- The 41-year-old captain was then named among the substitutes against Norway, despite warming up during the game.
- After talks with Jesus, Ronaldo left the squad before the Denmark fixture, claiming the coach had broken promises twice and confronted him aggressively in public.
- Ronaldo subsequently apologised to his Portugal team-mates and supporters, while Jesus maintained that team selection remains his responsibility.
Romario, who won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, said he understood why Ronaldo walked away. He described the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as a direct and professional figure, while also stressing he has previously had a positive relationship with Jesus from the coach’s time at Flamengo.
However, Romario said that connection did not change his view of the current rift. He claimed Ronaldo felt exposed after Jesus did not address agreed matters during a media appearance, leaving the Portugal skipper believing he had lost the manager’s confidence.
Romario said a player who feels stripped of importance within the group has little reason to remain, adding that he would have made the same call. The Brazilian was even more critical of the way Ronaldo handled the exit, saying he should have ended the relationship with Jesus earlier and more forcefully.
Who is affected
- Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal’s captain has left the Nations League camp following the breakdown with Jesus.
- Jorge Jesus: The Portugal coach has defended his authority to choose the side.
- Portugal squad: The team must prepare for Denmark without Ronaldo after his departure.
Ronaldo has scored 146 goals in 234 Portugal appearances. His international honours include Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles.
What happens next
Portugal’s immediate focus is the Denmark match, while attention will turn to whether Ronaldo is recalled for the next international squad and whether he and Jesus can repair their working relationship.
