Cristiano Ronaldo receives Saudi backing after Portugal dispute with Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has received widespread support from fans in Saudi Arabia after leaving Portugal’s training camp and travelling to Spain following a dispute with manager Jorge Jesus.

The incident, which took place on Wednesday, came shortly after Jesus said he would not change his tactical decisions for one player and that Ronaldo would not start against Denmark. Ronaldo left the camp only minutes after the manager’s news conference.

While some accused the Cristiano Ronaldo of abandoning Portugal and putting his own interests first, many of his supporters in Saudi Arabia defended him, particularly on X.

Khaled al-Shammari wrote: “When hyenas gather around a lion, it does not mean they are stronger than him. It means the lion has become isolated. Even so, he remains Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Naif al-Sanjari thanked the forward for his contribution to Portuguese football, writing: “Thank you, Cristiano. You won trophies, broke records and secured your place among the greatest players in football history. At the same time, you gave Portugal a global presence that goes beyond its geographical size and sporting history.”

He added: “Today, when Portugal’s name is mentioned in football, its modern history cannot be told without Cristiano at the heart of the story. History may even say that Cristiano was not a chapter in Portugal’s history; rather, Portugal itself became a chapter in Cristiano’s history.”

Another supporter, Abu Aber, directed strong criticism at Jesus, saying: “Jesus, you traitor. In the past, you used to ask his permission before even thinking about replacing him. Before him, you had no name that people repeated. There was a time when you were not known globally. Before that, you were simply somewhere known only by those around you.

“You never dreamed of coaching Cristiano, and you had no ambition beyond the blue circle that surrounded you.”

Abu Mohammed described Ronaldo as “the best player in the history of football”, using the player’s full name, Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro. He added: “Cristiano made Portugal; Portugal did not make Cristiano. He is the best in history.”

Abu Turki also criticised the Portugal manager, calling him “an old coach” and writing: “Cristiano Ronaldo is a global legend and his history is greater than yours. He is capable of removing you, so do not turn this into a battle and end up losing yourself.”

Huda al-Khaldi, meanwhile, offered Ronaldo a warm welcome on behalf of supporters of Al-Nassr.

“We are with you,” she wrote. “The Al-Nassr fans support, respect and appreciate your presence among us. Welcome back; we are waiting for you. You stand tall like the Suhail star in a clear sky.”

She also called on the Al-Nassr supporters’ association to receive Ronaldo at the airport, after coordinating with the airport administration “if possible”.