Cristiano Ronaldo fuels Portugal speculation with cryptic social media post

Cristiano Ronaldo has added to the uncertainty surrounding his position with Portugal after posting a wordless message on social media amid reports of tension with manager Jorge Jesus.

The Al-Nassr captain shared a photograph of himself wearing a Portugal shirt on his X account on Tuesday, alongside the Portuguese flag and a heart emoji.

The post, dated 29 September 2026, came after Ronaldo missed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday in the second round of the UEFA Nations League group stage.

Some reports have suggested there is a disagreement between Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus following the decision to leave the forward out of the starting line-up for that match.

The speculation intensified when Ronaldo was absent from Portugal’s training session on Tuesday. He was reported to have returned to the team hotel to complete some work in the gym instead.

His brief message, which contained no words, appeared to ease suggestions that he was unhappy with the national team, although it offered no explanation for his absence from the session or his omission against Norway.

Portugal face Denmark on Thursday, 48 hours after Ronaldo’s post, in the third round of the group stage.

Ronaldo started Portugal’s opening match against Wales, a 1-0 victory, but failed to score or provide an assist. He also received the lowest rating of any player from either side before being named among the substitutes for the game against Norway.

The 2-1 win over Norway was Portugal’s second match in the competition under Jorge Jesus, with Ronaldo’s role now the focus of attention before the meeting with Denmark.