Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in Madrid after leaving Portugal camp early

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Madrid in the early hours of Thursday after leaving Portugal’s training camp ahead of schedule, following a dispute with Jesus.

The 41-year-old’s flight landed in the Spanish capital at about 01:20 local time. Ronaldo left the airport roughly 20 minutes later in a car with Portuguese number plates, according to Foot Mercato.

About 12 supporters managed to enter a restricted area of the airport by using the entrance for one of the cars. They greeted Ronaldo with chants and applause and tried to take photographs with him before he left for his home in Madrid.

Spanish television programme El Chiringuito shared footage of the arrival on its official X account, posting: “CRISTIANO IS ALREADY IN MADRID. This is how he arrived after leaving Portugal’s expedition.”

The incident comes amid growing tension within the Portugal camp.

Ronaldo was left on the substitutes’ bench for the whole of Portugal’s most recent match against Norway, which his side won 2-1. The decision reportedly angered the Al Nassr captain.

He then refused to take part in training after the Norway match, although he later held talks with Jesus and the situation appeared to have calmed.

However, speaking at a press conference before Portugal’s match against Denmark, Jesus said that no player would change his ideas and that no one else in football would do so either.

Ronaldo subsequently left the Portugal camp and travelled to Madrid.