Cristiano Ronaldo ends dispute with Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to end his boycott of Al Nassr matches, sources told ESPN Brasil. The 41-year-old missed two Saudi Pro League games — last week’s victory over Al Riyadh and Friday’s 2–0 win against Al Ittihad — due to dissatisfaction with the club’s management and the involvement of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Ronaldo, the Portugal captain, is set to return to action for the match against Al Fateh on February 14.

Sources report that the striker’s frustration stemmed from Al Nassr’s rivals, Al Hilal — also 75% owned by the PIF — signing his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema during the January transfer window.

Ronaldo agreed to resume playing after his key demands were met: the payment of overdue salaries and the restoration of managerial autonomy to Al Nassr’s top executives. This reinstates Simão Coutinho (sporting director) and José Semedo (CEO), who had been suspended by the PIF.

So far this season, Ronaldo has played 22 games for Al Nassr, scoring 18 goals and providing three assists. The club currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League, just one point behind arch-rivals Al Hilal.

The Saudi Pro League issued a statement last Thursday emphasizing that no player can influence decisions beyond their own team. “Every club operates independently under the same rules,” the league said. “Decisions on recruitment, spending, and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.”

Ronaldo’s return marks a potential turning point for Al Nassr as they chase the league title and aim to maintain stability off the pitch.