Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training, seemingly easing concerns that he had played his last match for the Saudi club amid reports of a dispute. The 40-year-old’s return to the pitch comes after a period of speculation fueled by his absence from the matchday squad that defeated Al Riyadh 1-0 on Monday, a result that narrowed the gap between Al Nassr and Saudi Pro League leaders Al Hilal to a single point.
The reasons for Ronaldo’s absence initially remained unclear, but reports suggested he was unhappy with a deal that allowed Karim Benzema to transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal. All four clubs – Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli – are majority-owned by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), adding a layer of complexity to the situation. Ronaldo reportedly felt the club’s financial backers had prioritized a rival by facilitating Benzema’s move.
The situation quickly gained traction online, with a fabricated “missing person notice” circulating, reportedly originating in Saudi Arabia, and humorously referencing Ronaldo’s perceived emotional state. However, Ronaldo has now taken steps to quell the rumors by participating in training with the rest of Jorge Jesus’ squad.
In a gesture aimed at reassuring fans, Ronaldo posted a social media update featuring yellow and blue hearts – the colors of Al Nassr – alongside an image of himself training. This suggests that any internal disagreements have been resolved, and the Portuguese superstar is prepared to continue his career with the club and contribute to their pursuit of a league title, a drought that currently extends to seven years.
Ronaldo currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 17 goals, trailing only Ivan Toney of Al Ahli, who has 18. His continued presence is clearly vital to Al Nassr’s ambitions.
Al Nassr’s next fixture is a home match against Al Ittihad at Al Awwal Park on Friday. While it remains uncertain whether Ronaldo will be included in Jorge Jesus’ starting lineup, his return to training at least makes him available for selection. The outcome of Thursday’s match between Al Hilal and Al Okhdood will further shape the league standings, potentially widening the gap between Al Nassr and the league leaders before Friday’s game.
The timing of this situation is particularly noteworthy given the recent high-profile transfer of Karim Benzema to Al Hilal. The move, completed on February 3, , further solidified Al Hilal’s position as a major force in the Saudi Pro League and seemingly exacerbated tensions within the league’s ownership structure.
Ronaldo’s return to training is a significant development, not only for Al Nassr but for the Saudi Pro League as a whole. His presence continues to draw international attention to the league, and his performance remains a key factor in its growing competitiveness. The coming weeks will be crucial as Al Nassr attempts to close the gap on Al Hilal and secure the league title.
The situation highlights the complexities of managing high-profile players in a rapidly evolving football landscape. The Saudi Pro League’s ambitious project to attract global stars has brought both excitement and challenges, and the Ronaldo-Benzema dynamic serves as a case study in the delicate balance between sporting ambition and financial considerations.
