Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to end his brief boycott of Al Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club he currently represents, and will return to action on 14 February against Al Al-Fateh, according to ESPN Brazil. The 41-year-old forward had previously withdrawn himself from two matches in protest.
Ronaldo’s protest was directed at the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees the operations of the kingdom’s four major football clubs. The superstar had alleged that rival clubs, such as Al Hilal, were receiving preferential treatment compared to Al Nassr. In response, Ronaldo opted out of the squad for fixtures against Al Ittihad and Al Riyadh, signalling his displeasure with the management structure and decision-making hierarchy.
According to ESPN’s sources, the PIF has now addressed Ronaldo’s concerns, clearing the way for his return. The fund has settled Al Nassr’s outstanding wages and restored full management autonomy to the club’s top executives. Sporting director Simao Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo, who had been temporarily suspended by the PIF, will resume their official duties, reinstating the club’s operational independence.
Earlier, the Saudi Pro League had emphasised in a statement that players cannot influence club decisions from outside the team. The league stated:
“The core principle of the Saudi Pro League is simple: every club is independently managed under the same rules. Each club has its own board, executive leadership, and football operations. Decisions regarding player recruitment, spending, and strategy belong to the club, and this framework ensures sustainable and competitive balance across the league.”
Ronaldo has been in fine form this season, featuring in 22 matches for Al Nassr and registering 18 goals and three assists. His contributions have been vital in keeping the club in second place in the Saudi Pro League, just one point behind bitter rivals Al Hilal.
| Player | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Current League Position | Points Behind Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 22 | 18 | 3 | 2nd | 1 |
Ronaldo’s return is expected to bolster Al Nassr’s title challenge, offering the team not only his unmatched experience but also renewed morale after a tense standoff with the league’s controlling body. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the veteran forward influences the crucial run-in of the season, especially with the championship battle so finely poised.