'Hats off to Cristiano!' – Zidane salutes Ronaldo's career amid Portugal rift

Zinedine Zidane believes Cristiano Ronaldo's "great career" should be saluted amid reports of tensions between the 41-year-old and Portugal.

Ronaldo made headlines last week when he announced he had left Portugal's Nations League camp following their second game – a 2-1 win over Norway in which he was an unused substitute.

Reports prior to his exit suggested there was a disagreement between Ronaldo and Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus over his game time.

The Portugal captain said he would tell his side of the story in due course.

While Jesus has left the door open for Ronaldo to link up with the squad again in November, it remains unclear what is set to happen next month.

Após a conferência de imprensa do Selecionador Nacional, e no seguimento de uma conversa com o Presidente da Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, tomei a decisão de deixar o estágio da Seleção Nacional. A seu tempo, direi a verdade a todos os Portugueses sobre as razões que motivaram a minha saída da equipa nacional, à qual sempre me dediquei. Agora é tempo de desejar boa sorte a Portugal e a todos os meus companheiros de equipa, sem exceção.

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) September 30, 2026

But Zidane, who managed Ronaldo at Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018, winning three Champions League titles and LaLiga among their honours, came to the defence of his former player.

"He made me win incredible things," Zidane said when asked about Ronaldo's current situation.

"I think we have to salute his great career; what he has done is exceptional.

"I was lucky enough to have him with me. Hats off to Cristiano!

"I still have a lot of respect in general for all the players, but even more so for those with whom I spent time, and especially Cristiano, who still made us win a lot of things."