Cristiano Ronaldo criticised by Saudi fans after Portugal dispute with Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has been criticised by Saudi Arabian football fans after leaving the Portugal training camp for Madrid following a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.

The dispute developed after Jesus decided not to play Ronaldo against Norway, despite the Al Nassr forward spending a long period warming up. The manager then reportedly said the Portugal captain would not change his philosophy or tactical plan.

Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp and travelled to Madrid, prompting a strong reaction from supporters on X. Some argued that his experience and status as a captain should have led him to accept the manager’s decision, while others expressed surprise that his close relationship with Jesus had deteriorated so quickly.

One supporter wrote: “To be honest, I love Cristiano, but you have to realise that you have grown older. You should have respected the manager’s decision. Even if he spoke to you, he might have brought you on later, but perhaps he decided not to play you because of the circumstances of the match.

“You should have behaved like a captain, rather than creating problems and leaving on your own. Honestly, this behaviour shows a degree of arrogance.”

Another fan rejected what he described as attempts to excuse Ronaldo’s reaction by pointing to his age or previous achievements.

“Keep those weak arguments you are using to convince yourselves,” he wrote. “Lionel Messi, at the age of 39, carried his national team to a World Cup final. Can you imagine being 39 and producing the second-best individual performance in World Cup history after Messi in 2022?

“Ronaldo has 12 Euros and a World Cup. Name one of them in which he produced a strong performance. It has all been disappointment and failure.”

A further supporter defended Jesus, recalling his record before joining Al Nassr. The manager had previously coached Al Hilal, winning the league, the cup and three Saudi Super Cups.

“Who brought Jesus back from the dead?” the fan wrote. “Before Al Nassr, the man was managing Al Hilal and won the league, the cup and three Super Cups.

“Even if Ronaldo was responsible for Jesus becoming Portugal manager, he is not required to repay the favour by playing him in every match, even if he is negatively affecting the team. What is the logic behind that argument?”

The reaction has been intensified by the history between Ronaldo and Jesus at Al Nassr. Saudi supporters pointed out that the Portugal forward was among the manager’s strongest backers, both during his time at the club and when the idea of appointing him to lead Portugal was discussed.

“I cannot understand what is happening between Jorge Jesus and Cristiano,” another fan said. “At Al Nassr, Cristiano was the one who fought for Jesus to join the club and defended his continuation there. With Portugal, he also supported the idea of appointing Jesus as manager.

“Their relationship at Al Nassr was extremely strong. They stood by each other during the most difficult crises. So how has it ended in a dispute after Jesus’ first two matches with Portugal? It is an unexpected shock.”

The comments, posted on X on 1 October 2026, reflected widespread disbelief at how quickly the relationship between Ronaldo and Jesus had changed.