Pedro Proença flies to Copenhagen to calm Ronaldo–Jesus dispute
The Portuguese federation president met the squad in Copenhagen after Cristiano Ronaldo was left on the bench in the 2-1 win over Norway.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, travelled to Copenhagen on 30 September 2026 to try to calm tensions inside the Portugal camp after a row involving Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus.
The disagreement emerged after Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, when the 41-year-old captain warmed up during the match but was not brought on by Jesus.
Portuguese outlets reported that Jesus had previously told Ronaldo he would enter the game, but the plan was later changed. Following the match, Ronaldo did not take part in the team’s training sessions; instead he trained separately at the team hotel.
Proença to mediate before Denmark match
Proença’s trip to Copenhagen was intended to mediate between the captain and the coach ahead of Portugal’s fixture with Denmark. The federation president held talks with members of the camp to defuse the situation.
According to reports from Portugal, initial conversations were held in a positive atmosphere and the disagreements are regarded as resolved for the time being. The focus in the coming days will be on the match preparations and squad unity.
Photo: press material from the event
