Fernandes calls for unity after Ronaldo leaves Portugal squad

Bruno Fernandes has called for unity around Portugal's national team after Cristiano Ronaldo left the squad on learning he would not start against Denmark. Speaking at a news conference on Saturday, Fernandes defended Ronaldo's standing in Portuguese football and rejected suggestions of divisions within the team, according to BBC Sport's report. Portugal won the Nations League match 4-2 without Ronaldo.

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Ronaldo, 41, departed after coach Jorge Jesus informed him of the selection decision. Fernandes said he had spoken with his team-mate and stressed that the forward's contribution would retain its significance regardless of what happened next. He also asked supporters to respect everyone involved rather than take opposing sides in the dispute, while maintaining that the squad itself remained united.

The departure has left uncertainty over Ronaldo's international future. The BBC report did not confirm that he had retired from Portugal duty or set out when he might return. Fernandes' comments focused on Ronaldo's place in the country's football history and on keeping public disagreement from becoming a source of division around the national side.

Ronaldo's Portugal record stands at 146 goals in 234 appearances, both record totals. He helped the country win the European Championship in 2016 and two Nations League titles. Portugal first won the latter competition in 2019 and lifted it again in 2025, defeating Spain on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final in which Ronaldo scored.

Jesus took charge for the current Nations League campaign after replacing Roberto Martinez. He had previously managed Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Portugal's coaching change followed a World Cup campaign that ended in the last 16 with a 1-0 defeat by eventual champions Spain. BBC Sport reported that Martinez had faced criticism for rarely substituting Ronaldo, including when his performances were poor.

Ronaldo's involvement has already varied across Portugal's opening Nations League fixtures under Jesus. He played the first 67 minutes of the 1-0 home victory over Wales, then remained an unused substitute in the 2-1 away win against Norway. His departure before the Denmark match marked a further change in his involvement, with Fernandes now publicly urging respect for the forward while supporting unity within the squad.