Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return to action for Al Nassr on Saturday, bringing an end to a brief standoff with the Saudi Pro League club following internal discussions over his concerns about management and financial backing.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain missed Al Nassr’s last two league fixtures after expressing dissatisfaction with certain operational decisions at the club. Although he resumed training last week, he was omitted from the matchday squad by head coach Jorge Jesus as tensions continued behind closed doors.
Club officials now believe the situation has been addressed after holding talks with the forward and providing assurances regarding his concerns. Ronaldo is expected to feature in Saturday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al Fateh, a development that could formally close a chapter that had begun to attract significant attention across the league.
Before that fixture, Al Nassr are scheduled to face Arkadag in Turkmenistan in an Asian Champions League Two match on Wednesday. It remains uncertain whether Ronaldo will travel for the continental encounter, though indications suggest his focus is on returning fully to domestic competition.
Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr maintained strong performances, securing back-to-back victories. A notable 2-0 win over rivals Al Ittihad saw goals from Sadio Mané and Angelo Gabriel secure three points. While those results eased pressure on coach Jorge Jesus, the broader debate surrounding Ronaldo’s stance continued at league level.
Reports indicate that Ronaldo’s frustration centred on perceived differences in financial reinforcement between Al Nassr and title rivals Al Hilal. Both clubs are majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, but Ronaldo is understood to have questioned whether Al Nassr were receiving comparable backing, particularly during the January transfer window.
His concerns reportedly intensified after Al Hilal strengthened their squad with high-profile additions, including Karim Benzema. The French striker marked his debut with a hat-trick in a commanding 6-0 victory over Al Akhdoud last Thursday, further amplifying comparisons between the two title contenders.
The Saudi Pro League has firmly rejected any suggestion of imbalance. League officials maintain that all clubs operate under the same financial framework designed to promote sustainability and competitive balance. According to league sources, Al Nassr’s relatively limited January transfer activity was influenced by the club having already invested approximately £100 million earlier in the season.
Saudi authorities were reportedly surprised by the public dimension of Ronaldo’s protest, particularly given his significant earnings, widely reported to be around £500,000 per day. While Ronaldo remains the league’s most recognisable global ambassador, officials stressed that no individual player has authority over broader structural or financial decisions beyond his own club.
In a statement released last Thursday, league representatives reiterated their governance model and independence of clubs.
The statement emphasised that every Saudi Pro League club operates under identical regulations, with recruitment, spending and strategic decisions made independently by club leadership within approved financial guidelines. Officials also pointed to the competitiveness of the current campaign as evidence that the system is functioning effectively.
With only a few points separating the top four teams, the title race remains open. League executives argue that such parity demonstrates that no single club has an overwhelming structural advantage.
Ronaldo, who has 18 months remaining on his Al Nassr contract and a reported £43 million summer release clause, now appears set to refocus on football matters. His anticipated return this weekend is expected to shift attention back to on-field performance rather than off-field disagreements.
Since joining Al Nassr, Ronaldo has played a pivotal role in elevating the global profile of the Saudi Pro League. His arrival marked a turning point in the league’s international visibility, attracting other high-profile signings and increased broadcast attention worldwide.
However, his brief absence highlighted the delicate balance between star power and institutional governance. While elite players bring commercial value and competitive ambition, league authorities have been keen to reinforce the principle that structural decisions remain collective and rule-based.
For Al Nassr, the immediate priority is maintaining momentum in a tightly contested title race. Saturday’s encounter with Al Fateh presents an opportunity not only to secure vital points but also to restore unity within the squad.
Head coach Jorge Jesus is understood to have maintained open communication with Ronaldo throughout the situation. Sources close to the club suggest that while disagreements emerged, both sides recognised the importance of resolution ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures.
The Asian Champions League Two campaign also remains a significant objective, with Al Nassr aiming to compete strongly on the continental stage. Whether Ronaldo features in midweek or waits for the domestic return, his presence is expected to strengthen the team’s attacking options.
As the controversy subsides, attention will turn once again to Ronaldo’s performance metrics and leadership role. Despite his age, he continues to deliver consistent goal contributions and remains central to Al Nassr’s ambitions.
The Saudi Pro League, meanwhile, appears determined to protect its institutional credibility while leveraging the global appeal of its marquee players. League officials have made clear that the focus must remain on competition and long-term development rather than public disputes.
If Ronaldo returns as expected this weekend, it will mark a swift conclusion to a situation that briefly threatened to overshadow the league’s competitive narrative. With the title race finely balanced and continental commitments looming, both player and club have strong incentives to move forward.
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