Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo’s conduct following the forward’s unexpected departure from the Portugal squad.

Ronaldo left the team shortly before Portugal’s match against Denmark after reportedly disagreeing with manager Jorge Jesus. The decision followed Jesus’ media briefing and Ronaldo’s frustration over not being selected for a UEFA Nations League fixture against Norway.

In a lengthy statement, Ronaldo accused the manager of failing to honour previous promises. He later apologised to his teammates and the Portuguese public, while confirming that he remained committed to international football and was prepared to accept any disciplinary measures.

Speaking on The Overlap, Neville acknowledged Ronaldo’s achievements but expressed disappointment with his actions.

“I actually love him to bits. I can’t sit here and say I approve of that statement and think it was a good thing for him to do; it makes him more difficult to like,” Neville said.

Neville added that Ronaldo’s conduct could overshadow his remarkable career, although he believed the player’s footballing legacy would ultimately endure.

Despite Ronaldo’s apology, reports suggest that he has been suspended by the Portuguese Football Federation. However, the length of the suspension and any additional sanctions have yet to be confirmed.

France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has offered a measured perspective on Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected departure from the Portugal national team camp.

Ronaldo left Portugal’s training facility before the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark and travelled to Madrid by private jet. His departure followed his omission from the starting lineup during Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway.

Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus reportedly assured Ronaldo that he would play for 30 minutes as a substitute but later failed to fulfil that promise. The incident prompted widespread discussion about Ronaldo’s future and his relationship with the national team.

Speaking on Rothen s’enflamme, Henry rejected the idea that the episode should define Ronaldo’s career.

“Judging an entire career on this? Never. When I think of Ronaldo, I won’t think of that, ever, ever!” he stated, according to RMC Sport.

Henry also highlighted his profound respect for Ronaldo, comparing his status in football to that of Lionel Messi. He praised both players for maintaining exceptional standards over many years.

Ronaldo has indicated that he will explain the reasons behind his departure in a forthcoming social media statement. Supporters will now await his clarification and hope that his remarkable achievements receive the recognition they deserve.

Spanish radio presenter Manu Carreño has declared Lamine Yamal the best player in the world, while admitting that he does not know who will win this month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Yamal is among the leading contenders alongside Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé. Although Carreño stopped short of predicting the winner, he expressed his firm belief that Yamal currently stands above the competition.

“I don’t know who will win the Ballon d’Or, whether it’s Rodri, Kane, Lamine, Fabián, Mbappé or anyone else, but I think the best player in the world is Lamine Yamal,” Carreño said, according to Barça Universal.

He added: “For the first time ever, Spain has the best player in the world. His name is Lamine Yamal.”

Yamal, who won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has continued to impress for both club and country over the past two seasons. His performances have established him as one of football’s most influential young stars and a serious contender for the sport’s most prestigious individual award.