Ronaldo returns after Al-Nassr wage dispute resolved
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to action for Al-Nassr this weekend after reportedly ending a brief playing strike linked to unpaid wages owed to club employees.
The 41-year-old forward was absent from recent Saudi Pro League victories over Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad, raising questions over his future and prompting a public response from league officials, who warned that “no individual determines decisions beyond their own club.”
Ronaldo is now expected to be available when Al-Nassr face Al-Fateh on Saturday as the club continues its title push.
Wage issue triggers absence
According to reports from A Bola, Ronaldo withheld his services after learning that some Al-Nassr staff were still waiting for salary payments.
The Portuguese international was said to be angered by the situation and pressed the club’s hierarchy to resolve the issue.
Following internal discussions, Al-Nassr’s board reportedly cleared the outstanding payments, paving the way for Ronaldo’s return.
The settlement is understood to have satisfied the forward, who has previously positioned himself as a senior figure within the club.
The intervention also reportedly led to Portuguese directors Jose Semedo and Simao Coutinho regaining decision-making authority after Ronaldo raised concerns during meetings.
Transfer frustration and return timeline
Ronaldo had been expected to feature against Al-Ittihad after taking part in training last week, but was omitted from the matchday squad. His absence was also linked to frustration over Al-Nassr’s limited activity during the winter transfer window.
The club made only one signing, Haydeer Abdulkareem, despite head coach Jorge Jesus requesting reinforcements.
In contrast, title rivals Al-Hilal strengthened their squad with multiple high-profile additions, including Pablo Marí, Kader Meïté and Saimon Bouabré.
Ronaldo was also reportedly displeased by Karim Benzema’s move within the Saudi Pro League, viewing it as another example of unequal backing among Public Investment Fund-supported clubs.
Despite reaching an agreement to return to domestic action, Ronaldo will not feature in Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Two round-of-16 first-leg tie against Arkadag on Wednesday.
