Ronaldo bids farewell to a teammate in the Portugal national team

13/10/2025 19:44:00 GoalGuru

Cristiano Ronaldo parted ways with a fellow player in the Portugal national team during the October FIFA Days because of an injury.

The Portugal national team confirmed that Rafael Leao will withdraw from the October FIFA Days camp and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Hungary.

The announcement from the Portuguese Football Federation stated: “Rafael Leao has been granted permission to leave the squad and will miss the match against Hungary. This decision was made by coach Roberto Martinez after assessing the player's physical condition, who only came on as a substitute in the game against the Republic of Ireland.”

Ronaldo chia tay đồng đội tại tuyển Bồ Đào Nha 721454 — Rafael Leao withdraws from the Portugal national team due to injury

Leao is still recovering from a calf muscle injury sustained during Milan’s 2-0 Coppa Italia win over Bari in August. This injury has prevented the 1999-born star from starting for both club and country since the season began.

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the 26-year-old player will return to Milan to continue his rehabilitation after leaving Portugal’s training camp.

Coach Roberto Martínez called up Leao despite knowing he was not at full fitness. Leao is expected to begin individual training early this week, while most of his Milan teammates still have three days off. The Portuguese star is working hard to be ready to start for Milan in their Serie A match against Fiorentina this weekend.

As for Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old superstar is still aiming for new records with the national team. Although he recently missed a penalty in the win over the Republic of Ireland, Ronaldo still has the chance to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifying history. Currently, CR7 only needs one more goal to surpass the record held by Carlos Ruiz, the former Guatemala international who scored 39 goals in World Cup qualifiers.

Ronaldo chia tay đồng đội tại tuyển Bồ Đào Nha 721460 — Ronaldo is on the verge of becoming the greatest scorer in World Cup qualifying history

More importantly, Ronaldo and his teammates will aim for victory against Hungary to take a big step toward securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will likely be Ronaldo’s final international tournament and the only major title missing from his illustrious career.

Related articles