Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his boycott of Al Nassr matches and will return to action against Al Fateh on February 14, sources have confirmed to ESPN Brasil.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain sat out two crucial Saudi Pro League fixtures—last Friday’s 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad and the previous week’s win against Al Riyadh—in protest over his club’s treatment by the PIF (Saudi Arabia’s Sovereign Investment Fund).
Dispute Stemmed from Transfer Window Grievances
Ronaldo’s absence was triggered by frustration with the PIF’s unequal support during the January transfer window. While Al Nassr’s rivals Al Hilal, also 75% owned by the PIF, secured the high-profile signing of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad, Ronaldo felt his club was being disadvantaged.
The dispute escalated beyond transfer concerns, with Ronaldo raising issues about unpaid salaries and management interference at Al Nassr.
Key Demands Met by PIF
According to sources, Ronaldo agreed to return after the governing body addressed his primary concerns. The PIF has reportedly settled Al Nassr’s overdue salary payments and restored full management autonomy to the club’s leadership.
Sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo, who had been suspended from their duties by the PIF, have regained their operational powers and decision-making authority.
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League Issues Warning
The Saudi Pro League issued a statement last Thursday warning Ronaldo against attempting to influence decisions beyond his team’s scope.
“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: Every club operates independently under the same rules,” the league stated. “Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”
Ronaldo’s Return Crucial for Title Race
The timing of Ronaldo’s return is critical for Al Nassr, who currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League table, just one point behind arch-rivals Al Hilal. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been instrumental this season, scoring 18 goals with three assists in 22 appearances.
Al Nassr also face Arkadag in the Asian Champions League Two this Wednesday, though it remains unclear whether Ronaldo will feature in that fixture ahead of his confirmed return against Al Fateh.The resolution of this dispute brings stability back to Al Nassr as they chase their first Saudi Pro League title since 2019, with Ronaldo’s goals and leadership proving essential to their ambitions.
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