Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy will outlast controversy over Denmark departure

Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s training camp before the Nations League match against Denmark has triggered fierce criticism, but the latest reports have raised questions about the role played by Jesus in the dispute.

Ronaldo travelled to Madrid after leaving the squad, prompting accusations that he had betrayed Portugal, put personal interests first or acted arrogantly. Many supporters reached those conclusions before the circumstances were fully known, while others defended the forward. The argument quickly developed into a bitter exchange between Ronaldo’s supporters and his critics, including personal abuse.

Reports in Portugal and Spain have since offered more detail about the events. One significant moment came when Jesus and Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca went to the airport in an attempt to persuade Ronaldo to stay.

That visit appears difficult to reconcile with Jesus’ public stance only hours earlier. The manager had delivered strong criticism of Ronaldo at a news conference, yet later went to the airport to try to resolve the situation with the player he had attacked.

According to the reports, Jesus was the person who persuaded Ronaldo not to retire from international football after the World Cup. The decision allowed Ronaldo to pursue his remaining ambition of reaching 1,000 career goals, a target he could have achieved with Al-Nassr had he avoided injuries.

The same reports say Jesus had agreed that Ronaldo would play in two matches – against Wales and Norway in the fourth round – before promising him an appearance against Norway in the second round. That commitment was not honoured. Jesus later apologised to Ronaldo at a meeting attended by Pedro Proenca over what happened in the Norway game, only to criticise him forcefully at a news conference a few hours later.

Why Jesus first persuaded Ronaldo to continue with Portugal and then treated him in this way during the current international break remains unclear. The reasons, the article argues, may become known in time.

Ronaldo’s record with Portugal

The controversy has led some social media users to claim Ronaldo has damaged his international reputation. But his contribution to Portugal remains central to the country’s football history.

Before Ronaldo joined the national team, Portugal had reached the World Cup only three times. Qualification was often an elusive dream for supporters, who endured repeated disappointments. Since Ronaldo’s arrival, Portugal have never missed either the World Cup or the European Championship.

The team had also won no major international honours before his era. It now has three titles: one European Championship and two Nations League trophies.

Ronaldo did not achieve those successes alone, but his 146 goals for Portugal, along with the change in the team’s mentality, transformed expectations. Qualification became routine and winning titles became the objective. His presence also forced opponents to adapt and raised the ambitions of Portuguese football, according to several former players from Portugal and elsewhere.

As one Portuguese official said: “After 50 years, Jesus will not be mentioned, while Cristiano will remain immortal in history.”

The argument is that critics, rumour-spreaders and those who focus on Ronaldo’s mistakes may disappear from public attention within months or years, but his impact on football will remain for centuries.

The dispute has also prompted unnecessary comparisons with Lionel Messi. Praise for Ronaldo often brings Messi into the discussion, and vice versa. Supporters are entitled to regard Messi as the greatest player in history, but they should respect those who disagree.

Neither Ronaldo nor Messi will answer for the conduct of their supporters. Football is not a reason for abuse, insults or attacks on people’s personal honour. Fans can disagree passionately without losing their respect for others because of their favourite player.