Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, has expressed disappointment over the circumstances surrounding her son’s departure from Portugal’s national team camp, arguing that the country has failed to appreciate his contribution.
The incident followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway on September 27, 2026, during which the Al Nassr forward remained on the bench after being omitted from the starting line-up by head coach Jorge Jesus.
The disagreement attracted further attention on Tuesday, October 6,2026, when Ronaldo published a lengthy statement explaining why he had left the national team camp.
Portugal’s all-time leading goalscorer, who has netted 146 times in 234 international appearances, said his decision followed what he described as a “breach of trust” between him and Jesus.
Speaking publicly about the matter for the first time, Aveiro said the events surrounding her son’s exit had left her emotional.
“My son could have left through the front door, and he left through the back door, but it is not a big deal; God will take care of it. I cried a little. He has always been Portugal’s hero. They don’t value him as they should,” she said.
Ronaldo’s mother reveals phone conversation
Aveiro also disclosed details of a conversation she had with Ronaldo after learning that he had left the national team camp.
According to her, the forward assured her that he would explain his side of the story when the family met, prompting her to encourage him to remain calm.
“He told me, ‘Mom, don’t worry, I’ll tell you the truth when we’re all together.”
“And I replied, ‘OK, son, get over it. ‘And that was it. I told him to calm down, but well, his head decided to do that. We’ll see. I gave him all my support; it was no use.” But it’s okay; he gave a lot to Portugal, so he’s always there. He was always Portugal’s hero. They’re not valuing him as they should.
Aveiro maintained that her son’s achievements for the national team deserved greater recognition, insisting that his standing in Portuguese football should not be overlooked.
“They do not value Cristiano. He’s the best Portuguese player we have,” she insisted.
Ronaldo accuses Jesus of breaking agreement
In his statement, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward offered his account of the disagreement, claiming Jesus had failed to honour an understanding they had reached before Portugal’s match against Denmark.
The dispute has raised questions about the relationship between the captain and the national team coach, with Ronaldo’s explanation bringing fresh attention to the circumstances behind his departure.
Jesus, however, said he had not yet read the statement when asked about the matter. The coach indicated that he would respond after going through the details of Ronaldo’s account.
The disagreement has placed the spotlight on Portugal’s handling of one of its most celebrated footballers, with Aveiro making it clear that she believes her son’s service to the national team has not received the recognition it deserves.
