Cristiano Ronaldo (foto: Instagram)
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Al Nassr training ahead of his 41st birthday, signalling the end of a brief boycott amid concerns over the club’s financial backing.
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to training with Al Nassr after several days of uncertainty, a move that senior figures in Saudi football have interpreted as a sign that his boycott is over.
The Portuguese star had been weighing up his future in Saudi Arabia after expressing dissatisfaction with the level of financial support his club receives compared to some of its direct rivals. His return to the training ground suggests that tensions have eased, at least for now.
Ronaldo, who celebrates his 41st birthday today, is expected to be back on the pitch as early as Friday, when Al Nassr face a major derby against Al Ittihad. While his participation has not yet been officially confirmed, the fact that he shared a training photo on the social media platform X points to a return to competitive action.
Absence sparked by club frustration
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was a surprise absentee on Monday during Al Nassr’s league victory over Al Riyadh. Behind the scenes, his absence was linked to frustration with the club’s operations and perceived imbalance within the league.
Ronaldo believes that Al Nassr do not enjoy the same financial backing as other clubs linked to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), notably Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad. He was particularly irritated by Al Hilal’s ability to sign Karim Benzema, while Al Nassr’s January business was limited to the arrival of young Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem.
Title race still alive
According to various reports, Ronaldo earns around €570,000 per day and remains determined to win the Saudi league title, the one major honour that has so far eluded him in the country. Al Hilal currently hold a one-point lead, but Al Nassr could move top of the table with a victory on Friday.
Saudi officials, however, continue to insist that the league operates on fair financial principles and that the rules are the same for all PIF-linked clubs.
Ronaldo still has 18 months remaining on his contract with Al Nassr, which includes a €50 million release clause that can be activated in the summer.