Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return for Al Nassr after talks with the PIF resolved financial and structural issues that led to his brief strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly ready to return to action for Al Nassr after a short but high-profile standoff with the club’s hierarchy. The Portuguese superstar had been absent for two Saudi Pro League fixtures against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad, sparking widespread speculation about unrest behind the scenes.
🚨 Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to end his boycott of Al Nassr matches, with the Portugal captain set to return to action against Al Fateh on February 14.
The 41-year-old had missed two games due to frustrations with the PIF, but has now agreed to play again after his key… pic.twitter.com/2JCOVdK4TX
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 9, 2026
According to reports, the situation was addressed following high-level talks involving Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s management, and representatives of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and a major backer of the league. Those discussions are said to have resolved the key financial and administrative issues that triggered Ronaldo’s refusal to play.
Why Was Ronaldo on Strike
The main reasons for the dispute were delayed salary payments and broader concerns over the club’s operational stability. The PIF has reportedly now cleared outstanding wages and injected funds to cover Al Nassr’s expenses through the end of the season, easing tensions within the squad and restoring confidence at the board level.
Another crucial development was the reinstatement of Jose Semedo’s authority within the club structure. Semedo, a close ally of Ronaldo and an influential figure at Al Nassr, had seen his role diminished in recent weeks. His return to prominence is understood to have been a significant factor in convincing Ronaldo that his concerns were finally being taken seriously.
Beyond finances, Ronaldo’s frustration also extended to sporting ambition. He was reportedly unhappy with the perceived imbalance in winter transfer investment across the league, particularly when compared to rivals Al Hilal. The aggressive recruitment elsewhere has fueled concerns that Al Nassr were being left behind in a title race that demands constant reinforcement.
Benzema Moves to Al-Hilal
31’—⚽
60’—⚽
64’—⚽Hat trick on his Al-Hilal debut for Karim Benzema 🎩 pic.twitter.com/vjxItnQvIu
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 5, 2026
Ronaldo’s concerns gained further traction after Karim Benzema was linked to rivals Al-Hilal.
Benzema, who was at Al-Ittihad, former Saudi League champions, turned down a contract renewal and moved to direct rivals Al-Hilal. Benzema then scored a hat-trick on his debutm adding more salt to Ronaldo’s injury.
With Ronaldo absent, Al-Nassr continued their push in the title race. Al Nassr beat Al-Ittihad, keeping the gap between themselves and Al-Hilal at one point.
Home. Loud. Victorious. 🌪️💛 pic.twitter.com/OxFP14Y5lO
— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 6, 2026
Ronaldo Back in Action
Ronaldo was reportedly linked with a move from Al-Nassr, but all those rumors have now proven to be unfounded as the Portuguese star is expected to return to action soon.
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Cristiano has arrived at the Al Nassr headquarters to train with the group.pic.twitter.com/ekSjhOLi1G
— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) February 9, 2026
With the dispute now resolved, Ronaldo is expected to return to the starting lineup for Saturday’s league clash against Al Fateh. He is also part of the squad for Al Nassr’s upcoming AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 tie against Arkadag, although, as in previous continental fixtures, the club is expected to manage his minutes carefully to protect him physically as the season reaches a phase that could define the title race.
