ไทย
English
中國人
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) finds itself in a serious predicament. Supporters in Portugal have begun putting up billboards defending Cristiano Ronaldo and taking aim at Jorge Jesus following the duo's public falling out during the September-October international window.
Shortly after Jesus claimed there was "no problem" between himself and his team captain in a rather provocative press conference, Ronaldo confirmed his early departure from Portugal's training camp. The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient did not appreciate his manager's very public display of authority at his expense, especially coming so soon after being left on the bench for the full duration of the team's 2–1 victory over Norway.
As with any dispute in sports—or pop culture—people quickly chose their sides. It comes as little shock that passionate Portugal supporters rallied behind Ronaldo, a national icon, rather than Jesus, who has been at the helm for fewer than three months.
However, the scale of the backlash facing the FPF appears to be even greater than anticipated. Ronaldo departed camp only days ago, yet enormous billboards have already appeared across his home country criticizing both Portugal's federation and Jesus.
The billboard accuses Jesus of managing the squad with an "inflated ego" and a "lack of sensitivity" when it comes to handling Ronaldo. It also criticizes the Portuguese head coach for "mistreating" the captain and falling "short" of expectations in his early tenure.
The other portion of the sign serves as a tribute to Ronaldo. "Thank you Cristiano Ronaldo for everything you have given to Portugal," it reads. "You will always be our captain. Portugal stands with you always."
Two of the billboards were positioned in Lisbon, near the Estadio da Luz and Lisbon Airport. The third was placed just outside the FPF's headquarters in Oeiras, Portugal.
The FPF Delivers Swift Takedown
The last thing the FPF needed amid such a heated controversy was a large, very public attack from supporters erected directly outside its headquarters. The billboard remained in place for only a brief period, however, before being swiftly removed, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.
Taking down the billboard has only added more fuel to the already raging fire across Portugal. Fans are unwilling to accept what they perceive as the disrespectful treatment of a legend. Ronaldo brought extraordinary success to the nation, delivering the 2016 European Championship, as well as the 2018–19 and 2024–25 UEFA Nations League titles.
He is widely regarded as the greatest Portuguese player in history and currently holds a record 146 international goals across 234 appearances. Even those who believe the Seleção das Quinas perform better without him in the starting lineup still feel he deserves a dignified farewell rather than being unceremoniously pushed aside.
Recent reports suggest the FPF is eager to "broker peace" with Ronaldo in hopes of bringing the 41-year-old back into the fold, even if only to give him a fitting tribute before he retires. Whether Jesus and Ronaldo can mend their fractured relationship, however, remains to be seen.