Cristiano Ronaldo stays on the bench for Portugal for the first time in 18 years

In a historic moment for international football, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo did not make an appearance during Portugal's 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway on September 27, 2026. National team manager Jorge Jesus opted not to utilize the veteran forward, marking the first time since 2006 that Ronaldo remained on the bench for the entire duration of a competitive match while available for selection.

The last time Ronaldo did not record any minutes in a competitive game for his national team was on June 15, 2008, during a 2-0 defeat against Switzerland at the Euro championships. While the player was also benched during a friendly against Croatia on June 8, 2024, yesterday’s event is notable as it represents his first full competitive match on the sidelines in eighteen years. Ronaldo currently holds the record for Portugal with 234 international appearances and 146 goals.

The decision by Jorge Jesus highlights a significant shift in team management, as the legendary captain remained a spectator throughout the entire contest. No further details regarding his future playing time or specific reasons for this tactical decision have been officially confirmed by the Portuguese football federation.