Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 11: FPF president Pedro Proença expects Cristiano Ronaldo back for November. Disciplinary proceedings over his early camp exit remain open. Portugal face Denmark and Wales in the Nations League.
Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), expects Ronaldo back in November. He believes the captain could rejoin Portugal’s national football team during the international break. Proença spoke to reporters on Saturday, 10 October. The 41-year-old, however, faces open disciplinary proceedings. They stem from his early exit from Portugal’s previous training camp. No official squad selection has been announced. The Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal return therefore remains an expectation, not a decision.
Federation signals support
Proença left little doubt about the federation’s position. “The Federation, the coach, all the teammates are aligned: we want Cristiano back.” He added: “I expect him back already during the November international break.”
By his account, head coach Jorge Jesus and the players back the return. No direct comment from Jesus was reported. Proença also suggested Ronaldo himself was willing to come back. He called the forward the best player of all time. That is the federation president’s personal view. The remarks raised hopes after days of uncertainty over his future.
The disciplinary question
The FPF’s disciplinary council opened proceedings against Ronaldo on Saturday. The case concerns his departure from the national-team camp during the last international break. He left about 24 hours before Portugal’s match against Denmark.
Details of any charges were not reported. No ruling or sanction has been announced. Opening proceedings is not the same as imposing a suspension. The outcome could still affect when Ronaldo returns to the squad. The timing places the case just weeks before Portugal’s next fixtures.
Apology and a softer tone
Ronaldo has since apologised for leaving the camp. He has also signalled that he remains available for Portugal. Ronaldo’s willingness to play removes one obstacle. Proença had earlier described the disagreement as a misunderstanding. He has tried to ease tensions around the captain’s international future. The federation hopes to settle the matter before November. Together, these steps point towards reconciliation. Yet an apology does not automatically close a disciplinary case. Public goodwill and formal clearance remain separate processes.
Denmark and Wales loom
The November window gives the issue immediate relevance. Portugal host Denmark on 14 November in the UEFA Nations League. Three days later, they travel to face Wales on 17 November. Both are remaining group-stage fixtures in the 2026–27 competition. Denmark were also the opponents when Ronaldo left the previous camp. The schedule leaves limited time to resolve the case. Squad decisions for both matches will rest with Jesus. Ronaldo’s place depends on the disciplinary outcome and final selection.
What still needs to happen
Several steps remain before Ronaldo can return. The disciplinary proceedings must run their course. Portugal must then name their November squad. Until both happen, his availability for Denmark and Wales stays uncertain. Official confirmation of his inclusion is still awaited. Proença’s words show strong support from the FPF. They do not, however, amount to an official recall.
