Ronaldo skips post-match celebration with teammates despite win over Norway

Portugal secured their second consecutive victory in the UEFA Nations League by defeating Norway 2–1. Cristiano Ronaldo, who remained on the bench for the entire match in Oslo on Sunday (September 27), did not join his teammates on the pitch to celebrate the win after the final whistle; instead, he headed straight to the dressing room.

After the match, the other Portuguese players went to thank their supporters at the Ullevaal Stadium, but Ronaldo was not among them. The reason for his departure from the pitch remains unconfirmed.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus fielded Gonçalo Ramos from the start, and it was Ramos who scored the winning goal. Ronaldo was not brought on as a substitute either. Jesus admitted he did not initially notice that Ronaldo had not joined his teammates in acknowledging the fans, adding that he would speak to the player about the matter. Explaining the decision not to field Ronaldo, Jesus stated that he did not feel any changes were needed in the attack given the match situation.

The last time Ronaldo spent an entire competitive match for Portugal on the bench was against Switzerland during the 2008 European Championship. Including friendly matches, the last such instance occurred against Croatia in June 2024.