Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly ended his brief protest action at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr after the club moved to address several concerns raised by the Portuguese forward. Reports from Portugal indicate that the 40-year-old has resumed preparations for competitive action following internal changes and the settlement of outstanding issues at the Riyadh-based club.
Ronaldo, one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, had missed two consecutive matches despite continuing to train, fuelling speculation about tensions behind the scenes. His return is expected to stabilise Al-Nassr as the Saudi Pro League resumes this weekend.
Background to Ronaldo’s Absence
Ronaldo’s decision to step away from matchday duties came amid frustration over what he perceived as a lack of ambition in Al-Nassr’s transfer dealings. While rival clubs strengthened significantly during the January transfer window, Al-Nassr brought in only one young midfielder, a move that reportedly failed to satisfy the former Real Madrid and Manchester United star.
The situation was further complicated by developments elsewhere in the league, particularly the high-profile move of Karim Benzema to Al-Hilal. Benzema, a former teammate of Ronaldo at Real Madrid, made an immediate impact by scoring twice on his debut, intensifying comparisons between the two clubs’ recruitment strategies.
Internal Club Changes and Settled Issues
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Al-Nassr responded by restoring certain decision-making powers to key club executives. Chief executive Jose Semedo and sporting director Simao Coutinho, both appointed last summer and known to be close to Ronaldo, were reportedly reinstated after their influence had been reduced during the transfer window.
In addition, the club is believed to have cleared delayed salary payments owed to staff, an issue that had also contributed to Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction. Sources suggest that concerns over unequal treatment within the club had become a major point of contention for the veteran forward.
League Response and Competitive Balance
The Saudi Pro League has rejected suggestions that individual clubs receive preferential treatment, insisting that all teams operate independently within the same financial framework. In a statement, league officials emphasised that recruitment and spending decisions are made by each club’s leadership, subject to sustainability rules designed to maintain competitive balance.
The league further pointed to the narrow gap between the top four teams as evidence that the system is functioning as intended. Officials stressed that while Ronaldo remains a central figure in the league’s global profile, no individual player dictates decisions beyond their own club.
Return to Action and On-Field Impact
Although Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr’s recent victories over Al-Ittihad and Al-Riyadh, his influence was still felt, with teammates securing maximum points in his absence. He is now expected to return when the Saudi Pro League resumes, beginning with a home fixture against Al-Fateh.
Since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, Ronaldo has yet to secure major silverware, finishing behind rivals such as Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal in previous title races. His return to full competitive involvement will be viewed as crucial as Al-Nassr seek to remain firmly in contention this season.
