Cristiano Ronaldo would have ended his strike and is set to return to Al-Nassr
The Portuguese star did not take part in the last two matches of the Saudi Pro League.
The high-stakes drama that gripped the Saudi Pro League and captivated Cristiano Ronaldo’s global fanbase has finally reached a resolution. After a week of "sporting silence" and a high-profile absence from matchday squads, the Portuguese icon and the Al-Nassr board have signed an armistice. This return marks the end of what many insiders called a "power strike," exposing the growing pains and massive expectations of the Saudi project in early 2026.
The Root of the Conflict: Ambition vs. Reality
The tension reached its breaking point during the close of the winter transfer window. While direct rivals like Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal were making headlines with blockbuster signings—most notably the ripple effects of Karim Benzema’s high-profile situation in the league—Al-Nassr opted for a surprisingly low profile. The club's only January acquisition was a teenage prospect, a move that Ronaldo reportedly interpreted as a staggering lack of institutional ambition at a critical juncture of the season.
For a perennial winner like Ronaldo, seeing his club remain stagnant while the competition reinforced its ranks was unacceptable. However, his protest went beyond sporting decisions. Sources close to the 41-year-old legend suggested he also took a stand against delays in salary payments for the club’s behind-the-scenes staff. This gesture of "captain’s leadership" successfully forced the board's hand, creating a standoff that only a figure of Ronaldo's stature could win.
A Political Victory for CR7
Ronaldo’s return to training this week is not merely a physical comeback; it is a political win. The Al-Nassr board has reportedly regularized all outstanding debts with staff members, meeting one of the primary conditions set by the Portuguese star.
Furthermore, there has been a significant shift in the club's executive hierarchy. Two of Ronaldo’s most trusted associates, José Semedo and Simão Coutinho, have reclaimed executive powers that allow them to have a direct say in future sporting decisions. By reclaiming this influence, Ronaldo ensures that his vision for the squad's growth is no longer ignored by the front office.
The Roadmap: Al-Fateh in Sight, Rest in Asia
Despite his return to the group dynamic, the coaching staff is being cautious with his workload. Cristiano will not travel to Turkmenistan for Wednesday’s AFC Champions League 2 clash against Arkadag. The plan is to have the league's top scorer at 100% for this weekend's domestic showdown against Al-Fateh.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Pro League issued an official statement to calm the waters, emphasizing that while global stars carry immense weight, clubs operate under a model of financial and sporting autonomy. "The competitive balance of the league is intact," the statement read, attempting to downplay what was a historic showdown between a player and an institution.
Even at 41, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to prove that his influence extends far beyond the penalty area. As he prepares for the final stretch of the 2026 season, he has sent a clear message to Riyadh: at Al-Nassr, ambition is non-negotiable.
