Cristiano Ronaldo has been spotted back on the training pitch with Al-Nassr, despite an ongoing standoff that has shaken the Saudi Pro League.
The Portuguese superstar, now 41, had earlier refused to play for the club. His availability for the upcoming clash against Al-Ittihad remains uncertain.
However, his return to group training has surprised fans and officials alike, therefore raising hopes of a possible resolution.
Ronaldo was seen training under the supervision of new manager Jorge Jesus.
The session marked a sharp change from recent days, when the forward was said to be working away from the main squad. Moreover, the moment was quickly shared online, with Ronaldo posting photos to his 671 million followers, accompanied by blue and yellow heart emojis.
Despite this public show of unity, tensions behind the scenes have not fully eased. Ronaldo, who reportedly earns an astronomical £488,000 per day, is understood to be unhappy with Al-Nassr’s recruitment strategy.
He believes the Saudi Public Investment Fund has favored rival clubs, particularly Al-Hilal, therefore creating an uneven playing field.
Meanwhile, the situation has been made worse by Karim Benzema’s recent and controversial move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.
That switch was widely seen as a blow to Ronaldo, who views Al-Hilal as Al-Nassr’s main title rival. In addition, reports suggest Al-Hilal’s net spend has exceeded Al-Nassr’s by around £180 million since the 2022–23 season.
Sources claim Ronaldo wants firm guarantees that the club’s structure and transfer policy will change. Until that happens, he is still expected to boycott his second straight match.
On the pitch, Al-Nassr’s season remains strong. The club sits second in the Saudi Pro League table, just one point behind leaders Al-Hilal. They also hold a comfortable 12-point lead over their next opponents, which has reduced immediate pressure on results.
However, the wider implications are clear. Ronaldo is not just a player but the face of the league. Therefore, his dissatisfaction carries weight far beyond Al-Nassr.
