Cristiano Ronaldo Ends Strike After Settling Dispute With Al-Nassr

Superstar footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly decided to end his boycott of Al-Nassr matches, with plans to return to action when the Saudi Pro League resumes later this month.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain notably sat out two league fixtures — a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad and last week’s win against Al-Riyadh — despite earning a reported £448,000-per-week salary. Sources claim Ronaldo’s absence was linked to frustration over the club’s perceived lack of ambition in the January transfer window.

Ronaldo is said to have been particularly incensed after watching league rivals and fellow Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) club Al-Hilal secure the signing of his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, while Al-Nassr failed to make significant moves.

According to reports, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to return for Al-Nassr’s league clash against Al-Fateh on February 14. Portuguese outlet A Bola further revealed that the club has reinstated key decision-making powers to chief executive Jose Semedo and sporting director Simao Coutinho, both close allies of Ronaldo, after previously limiting their roles during the transfer window.

In addition to transfer concerns, Ronaldo was reportedly unhappy with what he viewed as unequal treatment within the club, particularly delays in staff salary payments. Al-Nassr is believed to have settled the outstanding payments as part of efforts to smooth tensions and ensure the forward’s return.

The former Manchester United star will miss Al-Nassr’s midweek AFC Cup away fixture against Turkmenistan side Arkadag but is expected to be back on the pitch when league action resumes against Al-Fateh.