Cristiano Ronaldo Returns to Al Nassr for Match Against Al Fateh

omidbasir- Cristiano Ronaldo has made his return to Al Nassr’s lineup for Saturday’s match against Al Fateh, following a brief boycott during the club’s last two Saudi Pro League matches.

He has been named captain and will be starting alongside notable forwards João Félix, Sadio Mané, and Kingsley Coman.

Reports from ESPN indicate that Ronaldo’s absence from the recent games against Al Ittihad and Al Riyadh stemmed from dissatisfaction with the lack of financial backing provided to the club during the recent transfer window.

Ronaldo expressed frustration towards the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) for not investing adequately in the team, particularly as their rivals Al Hilal, which is also 75% owned by the PIF, managed to sign his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.

However, sources informed ESPN earlier this week that Ronaldo had decided to return to the pitch for Saturday’s league match after the PIF addressed his primary concerns, specifically the payment of Al Nassr’s overdue salaries and the restoration of management autonomy for the club’s top executives.

In response to Ronaldo’s protest, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement emphasizing the independence of all clubs in managing their finances.

“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual—however significant—determines decisions beyond their own club,” the league stated.

Al Nassr enters Saturday’s match positioned third in the league standings, trailing leaders Al Hilal by four points, though with a game in hand.

Currently, Ronaldo sits three goals behind Ivan Toney on the scoring charts, having netted 17 goals this season, while Al Qadsiah’s Julián Quiñones leads with 18, and Al Ahli’s Toney has 20.