President Donald Trump said Saturday he has offered the role of White House press secretary to UFC CEO Dana White, who confirmed he plans to meet with the president Monday to discuss the position.

Trump, while he was at his golf club in Florida, posted on social media that he made the offer to “the Great Dana White, a violent Fighter and Warrior” to become the Republican president’s chief spokesperson.

White, who was in London on Saturday for a boxing event, was asked at a news conference about Trump’s post and responded by saying that he planned to fly to Washington right after and meet with Trump Monday.

When asked how he would balance the job with the current positions he has in the fighting world, White seemed confused by the question and then said, “Yeah, I got a lot of jobs already.”

He declined to say what conversations he’d had with Trump but said, “I’m sure I’ll have more to talk about after that.”

Before the news conference, the UFC head shared an image of Trump’s post on Instagram, along with an image of himself standing behind the podium in the White House press briefing room with the words “On to the next chapter.”

The White House and a spokesperson for the UFC did not respond Saturday to messages inquiring about the Truth Social post.

Trump said in his post that he requested that White bring along several UFC fighters as “assistants,” adding, “We need these people to defend us against the Lunatic Left. Dana will be a Press Secretary like none other. Dana, please take the job!”

While White didn’t make it clear if he was seriously considering the position of becoming the primary spokesperson for the president of the United States, he did elsewhere in his news conference describe his ambitions to expand the Zuffa Boxing organization he also runs with Saudi Arabian backers and hold more of its events around the world.

Trump’s post came as his White House is in a period of major transition and struggling with his party’s deep losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections. The historic wins by Democratic candidates, including in areas that Republicans had held for decades, led to the GOP losing control of both chambers of Congress.

Trump on Friday announced he was replacing his longtime adviser Susie Wiles, who was seen as something of a tempering force on the president’s impulses, with aide Stephen Miller to serve as the next chief of staff. Miller is known as the architect of the administration’s hard-line immigration policies and is among the most determined of Trump’s inner circle.

The shake-up at the heart of his administration follows the brief but tumultuous week when Trump tried out a new press secretary in Katie Zacharia, who seemed uncomfortable in her sole appearance before reporters before leaving the job after five days.

The post had been vacant since Karoline Leavitt left at the end of August. Trump remains without a chief spokesperson.

Trump is close friends with White and has attended several UFC events with him since returning to the White House in January 2025.

He brought White and the sport to the White House’s South Lawn in June for the celebration of America’s 250th year of its independence and the president’s own 80th birthday.

A wire-mesh Octagon was constructed near the executive mansion under ” The Claw,” a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with lights, sound equipment and large screens.

“It was an amazing experience, this was a one-of-one,” said White afterward.

White also spoke at the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020 and 2024.

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Turkish star footballer Arda Güler drew widespread acclaim among football fans and across the Spanish media after scoring one goal and setting up another in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory at Valencia Saturday.

Renowned publications, including Marca and El Mundo, all highlighted the Turkish international’s growing influence on Jose Mourinho’s attack.

The 21-year-old playmaker netted Madrid’s second goal in the 36th minute and supplied the defense-splitting pass for Kylian Mbappe’s 75th-minute strike at a hostile Mestalla.

Earlier, Federico Valverde had opened the scoring as Real Madrid extended their winning streak to eight matches across all competitions, moving level with Barcelona on 30 points at the top of La Liga ahead of the Catalans’ Sunday fixture against Atletico Madrid.

Conducting Symphony

The Spanish media reaction focused on Güler’s command of the pitch as much as his tangible contributions to the scoreboard.

Marca’s post-match analysis carried the headline “An Arda Güler never seen before,” crediting Mourinho with granting the midfielder a freer role to dictate attacks from various zones.

The report highlighted a player increasingly comfortable drifting inward from the right flank, receiving the ball between the lines, and linking up with Bernardo Silva to unlock stubborn low blocks.

Marca noted that Madrid’s tactical structure seamlessly absorbs Güler’s creative risks while praising his off-the-ball development, specifically his pressing triggers and positional discipline.

Other major outlets turned to musical metaphors to frame his display. Estadio Deportivo portrayed Güler as conducting a maestro’s orchestra at Mestalla, praising the license granted to him behind Mbappe.

El Confidencial echoed the sentiment, writing that Real Madrid “danced to Güler’s rhythm.”

The newspaper lauded his authority within a dynamic midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva, describing the Turkish star as the decisive spark against Valencia’s low block.

The outlet highlighted his goal – a crisp, right-footed finish after Jude Bellingham’s industrious work down the left flank caused panic in the penalty area.

Numbers don’t lie

Güler’s standout performance brought his season tally to four goals and six assists in 14 appearances across all competitions, averaging a robust 0.71 goal contributions per match, according to AS.

His telepathic link with Mbappe proved particularly lethal. Estadio Deportivo singled out Güler’s sublime turn and quick-release pass that sent the French forward charging through to seal the victory.

On the night, Valencia had offered early resistance as Aaron Mayol forced Thibaut Courtois into a sharp save. However, Real Madrid broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Valverde pounced after Mbappe’s free kick struck the wall.

Güler doubled the lead eight minutes later and nearly added another before the break with a stinging long-range effort that forced a save from Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, as Madrid dominated tempo and territory.

After Mbappe added the third goal off Güler’s dish, Valencia captain Jose Gaya saw red, compounding a miserable night for the hosts.

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In a breath-taking seven-goal thriller that tested the nerves of RAMS Park, Galatasaray outlasted Amed Sportif 4-3 Saturday night to head into the international break atop the Turkish Süper Lig table.

With the victory in Week 11, the Lions reached 28 points, claiming their ninth league win of the campaign while extending an astonishing home unbeaten streak to 41 matches (33 wins, 8 draws).

The result equaled the longest home unbeaten record in club history, matching the legendary run set between May 2017 and November 2019.

Galatasaray have not dropped a domestic league match in front of their home supporters since a 1-0 derby setback to Fenerbahçe on May 19, 2024.

High-octane action

Galatasaray needed just seven minutes to unlock the visitors’ defense. Lucas Torreira picked out Portuguese star Rafael Leao, who drove into the left side of the penalty area before tucking a precise finish past goalkeeper Alban Lafont.

The strike marked Leao’s second goal in as many matches following his tally against Konyaspor, representing the winger’s first back-to-back goal-scoring streak since his spell with AC Milan in January 2026.

The hosts doubled their cushion on the stroke of halftime. Emerging 21-year-old Russian midfielder Aleksey Batrakov squeezed a shot from a tight angle in the 45th minute, with Lafont unable to keep the ball out as it went down as an own goal.

Galatasaray appeared to put the match out of reach in the 59th minute when Batrakov uncorked a long-range strike from outside the penalty box that took a heavy deflection off Amed defender Bates, wrong-footing Lafont for a 3-0 lead.

The effort capped an incredible stretch for Batrakov, who has posted six goals and two assists over his last eight official appearances across all competitions.

Furious fightback

Refusing to fold in their maiden Süper Lig fixture against Galatasaray, the newly promoted side mounted a furious second-half fightback.

Dia Saba sparked hope for the visitors in the 62nd minute, curling a brilliant free kick from the edge of the box past Uğurcan Çakır despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.

Just three minutes later, Gift Orban met Furkan Soyalp’s pinpoint cross from the left flank with a powerful header to trim the deficit to 3-2.

Sensing a dramatic shift in momentum, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk relied on his attacking depth to steady the ship.

In the 80th minute, Leroy Sane and Gabriel Sara combined down the wing before Sara delivered a pinpoint cross for Barış Alper Yılmaz, who rose high to head home his second goal of the season and restore a 4-2 lead.

Sara nearly added a fifth two minutes later, but his curling strike rattled the near post.

Amed Sportif refused to go quietly into the Istanbul night, pressing forward in stoppage time. In the 90+2nd minute, a scrambled sequence involving Krasnic and Lutin inside the area ended with Yira Sor slotting home to make it 4-3, ensuring a tense final whistle before Galatasaray clinched all three points.

International Break Momentum

The victory capped a dominant stretch for Galatasaray, marking their sixth consecutive victory across all competitions, including high-profile UEFA Champions League wins over Lille (4-2) and Stuttgart (2-0).

It also marked the fourth time this season Buruk’s side scored four goals in a single match.

The historic fixture marked the first-ever top-flight Süper Lig meeting between the two clubs, following two previous encounters in the Turkish Cup.

Furthermore, the victory extended Buruk’s remarkable domestic home record against foreign managers, moving to 18 wins and 3 draws in 21 Super Lig matches at RAMS Park.

With 28 points safely bagged and history matched, Galatasaray head into the international break flying high at the summit of Turkish football.

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Bernardo Silva has been named Portugal’s new captain following Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from international football, marking the beginning of a new leadership era for the national team after its most prolific player brought his record-breaking career to an end.

Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed the appointment Friday while announcing his 28-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Wales.

Silva, who has made 115 international appearances, takes over the armband after Ronaldo announced his retirement Thursday, ending a 23-year career with 234 caps and 146 goals.

Jesus said Portugal would retain its established system of selecting captains according to international appearances rather than making an individual appointment based on personal preference.

Silva heads a five-player leadership group that also includes Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves. All five have previously worked with Jesus at club level.

The coach praised Silva’s experience, quality and current form at Real Madrid, where the midfielder has established himself as a regular starter.

“Bernardo is a player with a lot of experience, with a lot of quality, who is in a good spell at Real Madrid. He is a starter for one of the best teams in the world,” Jesus said.

The 32-year-old made his senior international debut in 2015 and has since become one of Portugal’s most consistent performers.

He was part of the squad that won the 2016 European Championship and the 2025 Nations League, having also featured in Portugal’s 2019 Nations League triumph.

Silva has previously worn the captain’s armband during Ronaldo’s absence, including in the European Championship qualifying campaign.

He also paid tribute to his former captain following Thursday’s announcement, describing playing alongside him for so many years as a source of pride and inspiration.

“It was undoubtedly a great pride and pleasure to have played alongside you for so many years. You are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you very much for everything,” Silva wrote on Instagram.

Ronaldo’s departure overshadows squad announcement

Although Silva’s appointment signaled a changing of the guard, Ronaldo’s retirement and his strained relationship with Jesus dominated Friday’s news conference.

The 41-year-old announced his decision on social media Thursday, bringing an end to an international career that began in August 2003. He leaves as the men’s international record holder for both appearances and goals, having captained Portugal to the 2016 European Championship and Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

His final appearance came Sept. 24 in a 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales.

The retirement followed a public disagreement with Jesus that intensified during the September international break. Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp without permission after being left on the bench against Norway and subsequently indicated that broken promises by the coach had contributed to his decision.

Jesus appeared increasingly frustrated as journalists repeatedly questioned him about the dispute, insisting that he wanted to focus on the squad selection.

“All my decisions were made with the team in mind. As a manager, I have always defended what was best for the team. I am at peace with my decision,” he said.

The coach maintained that Ronaldo had remained part of his plans until the retirement announcement and denied having any advance knowledge of the decision.

“I found out when we all did,” Jesus said. “Until then, I knew nothing about it. He was playing, he was scoring goals; he was one of the players on my squad list.”

Jesus also said he had not contacted Ronaldo since the announcement.

Despite their disagreement, the coach insisted there were no hard feelings and acknowledged the striker’s contribution to Portuguese football.

Federation promises tribute to Portugal legend

Portuguese Football Federation President Pedro Proença also pledged to celebrate Ronaldo’s achievements, describing his influence on the national team and successive generations of players as deserving of recognition.

However, the federation did not confirm whether Ronaldo would return for a formal farewell appearance.

“No tribute will ever be enough to thank him for everything he has done for Portuguese football, for Portugal,” Proença said ahead of the squad announcement.

“We will do everything we can to honour the legacy he leaves us. Everything he has done deserves to be honoured and celebrated.”

Proença said the federation, Jesus and everyone involved in Portuguese football respected Ronaldo’s decision, praising his leadership, ambition and determination to compete at the highest level.

“The best way to honor and celebrate him is to honour his boundless ambition. To always play to win. To never be afraid of being the best in the world,” he said.

“Thank you for everything, captain. This is and always will be your home.”

Jesus looks to Portugal’s next generation

Away from the Ronaldo controversy, Jesus introduced seven new faces in his November squad, including five players from the Under-21 setup, as Portugal begin preparing for life without their longtime captain.

The selections reflect the coach’s intention to strengthen the team’s depth while introducing younger players to the senior international setup.

Portugal have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarterfinals after winning their opening four group matches, including victories over Denmark and Norway.

The team will host Denmark on Nov. 14 before travelling to Cardiff to face Wales three days later in their final Group A4 fixtures.

Ronaldo’s departure closes a defining chapter in Portuguese football. His goalscoring records, longevity and leadership shaped the national team for more than two decades.

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Turkish prosecutors have reopened and expanded the investigation into the 2015 armed attack on the Fenerbahçe team bus, using mobile phone records, cell tower data, footprint evidence and forensic findings to identify five suspects allegedly involved in the planned shooting.

An indictment submitted to the Trabzon High Criminal Court seeks prison sentences for all five suspects, including those in custody, for allegedly attempting to deliberately murder all 39 people aboard the bus and damaging property.

The attack took place on April 4, 2015, when a bus carrying the Fenerbahçe squad back from an away match against Rizespor came under shotgun fire in the Soğuksu neighborhood of the Sürmene district in Trabzon.

The team bus, bearing registration number 53 DE 618, was traveling along a viaduct when gunfire struck the vehicle. Ufuk Kıran, the driver, was seriously wounded, while the players and coaching staff narrowly escaped what could have been a far more devastating incident.

The initial investigation continued for several years before prosecutors issued a decision in 2020 not to pursue further proceedings. However, newly obtained evidence in 2026 prompted authorities to overturn that decision and reopen the investigation, leading to a more extensive examination of the attack.

The resulting indictment, accompanied by a 12-volume evidence file, argues that the shooting was carried out through a coordinated plan involving five suspects identified as Yusuf Ö., Hakan H., Emiral A., Özgür E. and Özden R.K.

Phone records contradict suspect’s alibi

Investigators focused heavily on digital evidence from the night of the attack, examining communication records and signals from multiple mobile phone towers.

According to the indictment, the communication traffic involving the five suspects peaked at approximately 10:18 p.m., around the time of the shooting.

One of the key findings concerned Yusuf Ö., who maintained that he was at home when the attack occurred. However, cell tower records obtained from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) reportedly contradicted his account.

An examination of data from 54 different base stations found that Yusuf Ö.’s mobile phone had connected to a tower in the Yemişli neighborhood of Sürmene before the attack. The same tower also received signals from the Fenerbahçe team bus and members of its delegation.

Investigators also identified a footprint along a path leading toward the attack site. The location of the footprint was found to be consistent with the route associated with the suspect’s residence, providing another piece of evidence examined as part of the investigation.

Prosecutors point to coordinated planning

The indictment argues that the attack was not a random shooting but a deliberate operation planned in advance, with different suspects allegedly assigned specific roles.

Hakan H., Emiral A. and Özgür E. are accused of tracking the Fenerbahçe team bus as it traveled through the area and acting as lookouts. They allegedly relayed information about the vehicle’s movements to Yusuf Ö. and Özden R.K., who were reportedly positioned at the attack site.

Investigators also recovered a Superpoze 12-gauge shotgun from Devran Creek, approximately 130 meters from where the shooting took place.

Forensic examinations indicated that the weapon fired large buckshot pellets known as şevrotin. Investigators concluded that the shots were fired from approximately 40 meters away, within the weapon’s effective range.

The findings further indicated that the bus was deliberately targeted at the driver’s cabin, rather than being struck by indiscriminate gunfire.

All 39 people aboard considered targets

Prosecutors emphasized that both shots were directed toward the driver’s compartment and the head area of Ufuk Kıran, indicating an alleged intention to kill him.

However, the indictment argues that the potential consequences extended far beyond the driver.

The bus was traveling at high speed when it came under fire. With the driver seriously wounded, the vehicle risked losing control and plunging down an embankment or into the sea, potentially killing everyone on board.

On that basis, prosecutors concluded that the alleged attack endangered all 39 people aboard, including the footballers and coaching staff, and sought to charge the five suspects with attempted premeditated murder involving all occupants.

The indictment also includes a charge of property damage. The case has been referred to the Trabzon High Criminal Court, marking a significant development in an investigation that remained unresolved for more than a decade.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s international career began with a teenage debut in 2003 and ended with a record-breaking farewell 23 years later, leaving Portugal’s No. 7 shirt behind as one of the most decorated players in football history.

The 41-year-old announced his retirement from international football Thursday, saying the time had come to return the iconic shirt to the national team and “pass it on to the future.”

Ronaldo leaves Portugal with 146 goals in 234 appearances, both men’s international records. His career brought three major international trophies, five Ballon d’Or awards and a collection of individual achievements that transformed him into one of the defining footballers of his generation.

In a farewell video, the Portuguese captain reflected on more than the matches, goals, trophies and records, thanking the teammates, coaches, supporters and Portuguese communities around the world who had accompanied him throughout his journey.

“Football is about people,” he said, ending his message with a declaration that captured his enduring connection to his country: “Portugal will always be in me.”

His departure closes an extraordinary international chapter, although he intends to continue playing club football for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

From Madeira to Manchester

Born Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro in Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, on Feb. 5, 1985, Ronaldo left his family at 12 to join Sporting CP’s academy in Lisbon.

His determination quickly became apparent. Former academy teammates have recalled a youngster who regularly stayed behind after scheduled training sessions, working on his speed, technique and physical conditioning. His commitment to improving himself became a defining characteristic of a career that would span more than two decades.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in August 2002, aged 17, against Inter Milan in a Champions League qualifier. His breakthrough in Portuguese football was brief, however, as an impressive performance against Manchester United in a friendly the following year changed the direction of his career.

His pace, close control, stepovers and attacking movement caught the attention of United’s players, who urged manager Alex Ferguson to sign him.

Manchester United secured his services in 2003, bringing an exceptionally gifted but physically slender 18-year-old to Old Trafford. Ronaldo initially preferred the No. 28 shirt, but Ferguson handed him the No. 7, previously worn by club icons George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

The decision proved significant. Ronaldo developed from an unpredictable young winger into one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players, combining his natural flair with greater physical strength, tactical discipline and a growing instinct for goals.

He won three consecutive Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and his first Ballon d’Or during his initial spell at United. By the time he left for Real Madrid in 2009, he had established himself among the world’s leading footballers.

A record-breaking era at Real Madrid

Ronaldo’s move to Spain marked the beginning of the most prolific period of his club career.

Across nine seasons at Real Madrid, he scored 451 goals in 438 competitive appearances, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer. His extraordinary scoring rate helped establish him as one of the most productive forwards the game has seen.

He won four Champions League titles, two La Liga championships and three Club World Cups with the Spanish giants. His 17 goals during the 2013-14 Champions League campaign remain a competition record for a single season.

His playing style also continued to evolve. The explosive winger who had once relied heavily on pace, elaborate dribbling and one-on-one battles increasingly became a ruthless penalty-area forward.

Ronaldo refined his movement, positioning and timing, developing an exceptional ability to find space, attack crosses and finish with either foot. His aerial strength became another major weapon, allowing him to remain decisive even as his acceleration gradually declined.

The transformation helped him sustain his dominance at the highest level. He finished his Real Madrid career with 140 Champions League goals, 183 appearances in the competition and goals in three separate finals.

His individual achievements included five Ballon d’Or awards, while his rivalry with Lionel Messi became one of the defining storylines of modern football. Their prolonged competition for individual honors, records and major trophies raised standards across an entire generation.

Juventus, Manchester United return and Saudi Arabia

In 2018, Ronaldo left Real Madrid for Juventus, taking his goalscoring ability to Italian football.

He scored 101 goals in 134 appearances across three seasons, winning two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups, among other honors.

His return to Manchester United in 2021 initially generated enormous excitement among supporters. However, the second spell became increasingly difficult as disagreements over his role and the club’s direction overshadowed his performances.

Ronaldo scored 145 goals in 346 appearances across his two periods at Old Trafford. His departure in November 2022 followed a controversial televised interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, during which he criticized the club’s management and manager Erik ten Hag.

United subsequently terminated his contract by mutual agreement.

He then joined Al Nassr, becoming the most high-profile international star to move to the Saudi Pro League. His arrival helped raise the competition’s global profile and was followed by a series of other prominent players making the move to Saudi Arabia.

Controversies away from football

Ronaldo’s career has not been without controversy, with several legal disputes and public disagreements attracting considerable attention.

In Spain, he reached a settlement in a tax fraud case involving undeclared income from image rights. In 2019, he agreed to pay an 18.8 million euro ($21 million) fine and accept a 23-month suspended prison sentence.

In 2018, a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in Las Vegas in 2009. Ronaldo denied the allegation. U.S. prosecutors declined to pursue criminal charges, and a civil lawsuit was dismissed in 2022 after a judge ruled that the plaintiff’s lawyer had engaged in misconduct.

His departure from Manchester United also exposed the increasingly strained relationship between the forward and the club, with his public criticism of its leadership contributing to the termination of his contract.

Portugal’s defining footballer

For all his individual success at club level, Ronaldo’s greatest emotional connection remained Portugal, where his international career brought both painful disappointments and historic celebrations.

He made his senior debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003, aged 18, and represented his country at Euro 2004 on home soil.

Portugal reached the final but suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Greece. The young Ronaldo, who had scored twice during the tournament, was left in tears as the hosts missed an opportunity to win their first major international trophy.

The disappointment remained part of his journey for another 12 years.

At Euro 2016 in France, Ronaldo captained Portugal to their first European Championship title. He scored three goals during the tournament and played a decisive role in the semifinal victory over Wales, scoring once and setting up another goal.

His contribution to the final against France was cut short after just 25 minutes when a knee injury forced him off. Rather than retreating from the occasion, he remained alongside the technical area, encouraging and directing his teammates as they fought to secure the trophy.

Portugal eventually prevailed 1-0 after extra time, with substitute Eder scoring the winning goal.

It was a defining moment for Ronaldo and Portuguese football. After the heartbreak of 2004, he had finally helped deliver the country’s first major international title.

He subsequently captained Portugal to the inaugural UEFA Nations League trophy in 2019 and another triumph in 2025.

During the 2025 campaign, he scored in the semifinal victory over Germany and found the net again in the final against Spain, becoming the first player aged over 40 to score in a Nations League final.

Six World Cups and a collection of records

Ronaldo’s remarkable longevity became as impressive as his goalscoring ability.

He appeared at six European Championships and six World Cups, maintaining his place in Portugal’s squad across an era that saw several generations of players come and go.

At the 2026 World Cup in North America, he became the first player to score at six different editions of the men’s tournament. He achieved the milestone with two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 group-stage victory over Uzbekistan before adding another goal against Croatia.

He finished his World Cup career with 11 goals in 27 appearances, placing him second on the tournament’s all-time appearance list behind Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has played 34 matches.

Ronaldo’s international records extend well beyond the World Cup.

His 146 goals and 234 appearances for Portugal make him the leading men’s international scorer and appearance-holder. He is also the leading scorer in European Championship history, with 14 goals, and holds the record for most goals in World Cup qualifying, with 41.

His achievements across six tournaments also underlined a level of consistency rarely sustained in international football, particularly for an attacking player whose career began in an era when he was still establishing himself at Sporting.

A turbulent end to his Portugal career

Despite the extraordinary achievements, Ronaldo’s final weeks with Portugal were overshadowed by a dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus.

Tensions emerged during the September international window after Ronaldo was left on the bench for Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway. He subsequently left the national team camp in Copenhagen, prompting questions about his relationship with the coach and his future role in the squad.

Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking promises regarding his playing time. His departure without permission also drew criticism, particularly given his position as the team’s captain and most experienced player.

He later apologized to supporters and teammates for leaving the camp and said he remained available for international selection. He also indicated that the Portuguese Football Federation should determine whether disciplinary action was necessary.

On Oct. 19, the federation handed him a 30-day suspension and a 255-euro fine. Ronaldo had already served part of the suspension under a provisional disciplinary measure.

The dispute added an uncomfortable ending to an otherwise historic international career, raising questions about how one of football’s greatest players would leave the national team.

His retirement announcement less than a month later brought that chapter to a close.

Ronaldo departs having helped Portugal win its first European Championship and two Nations League titles, while setting records that may stand for generations.