Cristiano Ronaldo rejoined full group training with Al Nassr on Wednesday, ending speculation of an extended boycott following his absence from the club’s recent Saudi Pro League match.
The 40-year-old Portuguese forward missed Al Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh on February 2, a game won by a Sadio Mané goal.
Reports from ESPN and Portuguese outlets indicated the absence was a deliberate protest against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Al Nassr and several rival clubs, including Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.
Ronaldo reportedly expressed frustration over unequal investment, claiming PIF has favoured competitors like Al Hilal, particularly after their high-profile moves in the January transfer window, while Al Nassr made only minor additions, such as under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.
Fabrizio Romano posted on X on Wednesday, “Cristiano Ronaldo, back at work with Al Nassr.”
Despite the reports of discontent, Ronaldo posted a photo on social media showing himself in an Al Nassr training kit controlling the ball, captioned simply with yellow and blue heart emojis—the club’s colours.
Al Nassr insiders and Saudi reporters confirmed that he fully participated in Wednesday’s session under coach Jorge Jesus, appearing sharp and committed.
Senior Saudi football officials have expressed optimism that Ronaldo will feature in Friday’s high-stakes Riyadh derby against Al Ittihad, a crucial fixture in the title race where Al Nassr currently sit second.
PUNCH Online had reported that Ronaldo allegedly went on strike at Al Nassr, refusing to play for the Saudi Pro League club amid growing dissatisfaction with the team’s management and financial backing.
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