Cristiano Ronaldo has received strong support from fans in Saudi Arabia after leaving Portugal’s training camp and travelling to Spain following a disagreement with manager Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo departed the camp on Wednesday, only minutes after Jesus held a news conference in which he said he would not change his technical decisions for one player. Jesus also stated that Ronaldo would not start Portugal’s match against Denmark.
The incident prompted criticism of Ronaldo from some who accused him of abandoning the national team and putting his own interests first. However, supporters of the Al Nassr forward responded with a wave of messages on X, defending his status and contribution to Portugal.
Khalid Al-Shammari wrote: “When hyenas surround the lion, it does not mean they are stronger than him. It means the lion has become isolated. Even so, he remains Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Naif Al-Ssanjari thanked Ronaldo for his achievements, saying: “Thank you, Cristiano. You won trophies, broke records and established yourself among the greatest players in football. At the same time, you gave Portugal a global presence that exceeds its geographical size and sporting history.”
He added: “Today, when Portugal’s name is mentioned in football, its modern history cannot be told without Cristiano at the centre of the story. History may even say that Cristiano was not a chapter in Portugal’s history; rather, Portugal itself became a chapter in Cristiano’s history.”
Other posts were more critical of Jesus. Abu Aber described him as “a treacherous manager”, claiming that he had previously sought Ronaldo’s permission before considering replacing him.
“Before him, you had no name that people repeated,” the post said. “One day, you were not known around the world. Before and after that, you were in a place known only to its own people. You did not dream of managing Cristiano, nor did you have ambitions beyond the blue circle that surrounded you.”
Abu Mohammed said Ronaldo would remain “the best player in the history of football” and argued that he had made Portugal rather than Portugal making him.
Another supporter, Abu Turki, called Jesus “an old manager” and warned him not to enter into a conflict with Ronaldo.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is a global legend and his history is greater than yours,” he wrote. “He is capable of removing you, so do not turn this into a challenge and end up losing yourself.”
Huda Al-Khaldi, writing as Dr Huda Al-Khaldi, said Al Nassr supporters stood behind Ronaldo and welcomed his return.
“We are with you,” she wrote. “The Al Nassr fans support, respect and appreciate your presence among us. Welcome back; we are waiting for you. You stand tall like the Suhail star in a clear sky.”
She also called on the Al Nassr supporters’ association to arrange a reception for Ronaldo at the airport, subject to coordination with airport management.
