Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly brought an end to his standoff with Al Nassr after outstanding payments were settled and two senior figures close to him regained authority within the club’s structure.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly brought an end to his standoff with Al Nassr after outstanding payments were settled and two senior figures close to him regained authority within the club’s structure.
The forward had been absent from two consecutive fixtures for the Saudi Pro League contenders, a move widely interpreted as a protest against limited activity during the January transfer window. Frustration reportedly peaked when Karim Benzema, once his teammate at Real Madrid, completed a high-profile switch to big-spending rivals Al Hilal.
According to ESPN Brasil, the impasse lasted roughly a week before progress was made. The outlet claimed that Ronaldo rejoined first-team sessions once his conditions were met, following intervention from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which holds controlling interests in both Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
Among the matters said to have triggered Ronaldo’s anger were delayed wage payments affecting individuals working at the club. While specific roles were not detailed, the issue was reportedly addressed in full once raised by the Portuguese star.
Beyond the financial element, a more sensitive topic involved internal power dynamics. Sporting director Simão Coutinho and chief executive José Semedo—both with past connections to Ronaldo from their time at Sporting CP—were believed to have lost control over recruitment decisions shortly before the winter market opened.
Their reduced authority allegedly played a major role in Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction. With their influence now reinstated, the pair are expected to focus on planning significant squad reinforcements ahead of the summer window, a project that aligns closely with Ronaldo’s ambitions.
Despite his return to training, Ronaldo is not expected to feature in Al Nassr’s upcoming AFC Champions League Two trip to Arkadag, Turkmenistan. Reports suggest the club intends to spare him the long journey and instead target a comeback during Saturday’s domestic meeting with Al Fateh.
In his absence, the team has enjoyed positive results. Victories without conceding have helped maintain momentum, with Sadio Mané operating centrally and finding the net in both matches, supported by João Félix in a deeper role.
Public reaction to Ronaldo’s refusal to play was largely critical, with much of the commentary highlighting the scale of his earnings. League officials even issued a firm reminder that no single figure dictates decisions beyond their own club.
However, coverage surrounding his return has taken on a softer tone. Emphasis has been placed on his role in ensuring colleagues received their due pay, a stance praised by Portuguese outlet A BOLA. The publication portrayed his actions as a show of unity, even employing symbolic imagery likening the resolution to the white smoke that signals the election of a new pope. Admiration for Ronaldo, particularly in his homeland, clearly remains strong.
