Zinedine Zidane has expressed admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo’s “remarkable career” amid reports of friction between the 41-year-old forward and the Portuguese national team.
Last week, Ronaldo drew attention when he announced his departure from Portugal’s Nations League camp following their second match, a 2-1 victory over Norway, during which he did not play.
Before he left, there were indications of a disagreement between him and Portugal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, concerning his playing time.
The Portugal captain stated that he would share his side of the situation in due time.
While Jesus has indicated that Ronaldo may rejoin the squad in November, the future remains uncertain.
Após a conferência de imprensa do Selecionador Nacional, e no seguimento de uma conversa com o Presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, tomei a decisão de deixar o estágio da Seleção Nacional. A seu tempo, direi a verdade a todos os Portugueses sobre as razões que motivaram a minha saída da equipa nacional, à qual sempre me dediquei. Agora é tempo de desejar boa sorte a Portugal e a todos os meus companheiros de equipa, sem exceção.
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) September 30, 2026
Despite the tension, Zidane, who coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018, where they clinched three Champions League titles and a LaLiga trophy, defended the legendary player.
“He helped me achieve incredible success,” Zidane remarked regarding Ronaldo’s current situation.
“We should acknowledge his fantastic career; his achievements are extraordinary.
“I was fortunate to have him on my team. Hats off to Cristiano!
“I have immense respect for all players, especially those I worked closely with, and Cristiano stands out for leading us to numerous victories.”
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the complexities of legacy and leadership in sports. Ronaldo’s future with the national team could impact Portugal’s performance on the field and shape the narrative around one of soccer’s greatest players.
Source: www.soccernews.com
