Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to action for Al-Nassr after a brief but dramatic standoff with the club. The Portuguese superstar had refused to play in the team’s last two matches, reportedly unhappy with Al-Nassr’s lack of ambition during the January transfer window. His absence quickly became one of the biggest talking points in Saudi football.
According to reports from Portugal, Ronaldo has rejoined first-team training with Al-Nassr. He is now preparing for a return against Al-Fateh next weekend. The club also has a midweek Asian Champions League 2 match against Arkadag. However, Ronaldo is not expected to feature in that fixture. Al-Nassr are instead managing his comeback carefully.
The situation appears to have cooled after intense behind-the-scenes discussions. Al-Nassr have reportedly resolved internal issues, including delayed payments to staff, bringing an end to a power struggle that Ronaldo ultimately seems to have won.
Why Ronaldo Was So Angry
Ronaldo’s frustration centered on Al-Nassr’s quiet January transfer window. While title rivals Al-Hilal strengthened their squad by signing Karim Benzema, Al-Nassr brought in only a youth player. For a fiercely competitive player like Ronaldo, this lack of reinforcement was hard to accept.
The issue was made more sensitive by the fact that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund owns multiple top clubs, including Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal. Ronaldo reportedly felt the balance had not been fair, leading to his protest and threats to leave the club altogether.
Reports now suggest that key Portuguese executives at Al-Nassr have had their authority restored, allowing them more control over recruitment decisions. This move may have reassured Ronaldo that the club is serious about matching his ambition.
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Saudi League Pushes Back
The Saudi Pro League was quick to respond to the situation, issuing a clear message that no player is bigger than the league. Officials stressed that every club operates independently, with its own board and strategy, even within the same ownership structure.
League representatives emphasized that recruitment decisions are made by individual clubs under strict financial rules designed to ensure fairness and long-term stability. While acknowledging Ronaldo’s importance to Al-Nassr, they made it clear that he does not influence decisions beyond his club.
The league also pointed to a tight title race as proof the system is working. With only a few points separating the top teams, officials insist the focus should remain on football rather than off-field drama.
Pressure, Criticism, and What Comes Next
Ronaldo’s decision to strike has drawn criticism from former players, including Premier League legend Alan Shearer. He questioned how a player earning such vast sums could refuse to work, suggesting the move damaged Ronaldo’s image despite his superstar status.
Despite the backlash, Al-Nassr remain in a strong position. They sit second in the Saudi Pro League, just one point behind unbeaten leaders Al-Hilal. With Ronaldo back, their title push gains fresh momentum.
For Ronaldo, the mission is clear. He is still chasing his first Saudi league title and wants to be in peak condition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His return is not just about football—it is about legacy, pride, and proving he still sets the standard. Keep following other interesting football discussions only on footballcoasters.co.uk.