Cristiano Ronaldo spent the entire match on Portugal’s bench during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Norway, a rare sight for the national team captain.
Jorge Jesus chose Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix in attack, and the decision raised fresh questions about Ronaldo’s place in the Seleção. The 40-year-old forward had started the previous match against Wales under the new coach.
Ronaldo reacted angrily after the final whistle and went straight to the dressing room instead of joining his teammates in greeting the supporters. According to the report, it marked only the third time since his Portugal debut in 2003 that he had remained on the bench for a full international without entering the game. Meanwhile, Ramos and Félix justified their selection by scoring Portugal’s two goals in the victory.
Jorge Jesus defended his decision and explained that the flow of the match did not call for Ronaldo’s introduction. “That doesn’t mean he won’t be the first choice for the next game,” the Portugal coach said, while also admitting that he needed to speak with the captain about his reaction.
With Ronaldo now facing genuine competition for his place, Portugal may be entering a new chapter in its long relationship with its greatest goalscorer.
