The Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portuguese national team camp and will not be in the stands to support the Sailors in their crucial match against Armenia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Portuguese star received a red card, the first of his international career, during the previous match against Northern Ireland, which Portugal lost 2-0. This meant that Roberto Martinez’s team needed to win against Armenia to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the red card, it was expected that Ronaldo would remain with the team and support his teammates, even if only from the stands. However, the surprise came when the 40-year-old left Portugal and returned to Saudi Arabia, where he will begin preparations early for the first Gulf Cup match after the international break.
It remains unclear whether Ronaldo’s departure was at his own request or at the behest of coach Martinez or the Portuguese Football Federation to impose greater focus within the camp, especially given the considerable controversy surrounding his expulsion in recent days.
Thus, should Portugal qualify for the World Cup, Ronaldo will not be at the Estádio da Luz celebrating with the players and fans their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which he has described as “inevitably” the last of his legendary career.
