Ronaldo reportedly to return for Al Nassr after Saudi fund addresses demands

Ronaldo Ends Standoff With Saudi Pro League After PIF Agrees to Address His Demands

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to return to action for Al-Nassr after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reportedly agreed to address the Portuguese superstar’s grievances following a two-match protest that sparked a dispute at the highest levels of Saudi football.

The 41-year-old forward missed consecutive Saudi Pro League matches against Al-Riyadh on February 3 and Al-Ittihad on February 6, sitting out both fixtures in protest over what he perceived as unequal treatment of Al-Nassr compared to rival clubs backed by the same sovereign wealth fund.youtube

The Benzema Flashpoint

The standoff was triggered by Al-Hilal’s January transfer window acquisition of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad, a move Ronaldo reportedly attempted to block. According to ESPN, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner argued the transfer was “unfair” and claimed the PIF was “paving the way for Al Hilal to win the title.”ysscores

While Al-Hilal secured the 38-year-old French striker on an 18-month deal until June 2027, Al-Nassr’s January business was limited to modest domestic signings. Sources told CBS Sports that Ronaldo feels “betrayed” by the disparity in backing between PIF-owned clubs, despite his role as the league’s highest-profile figure.cbssports

The situation was compounded by the reported suspension of Al-Nassr’s Portuguese management team, including CEO José Semedo and sporting director Simão Coutinho, decisions that frustrated Ronaldo and hampered the club’s transfer activity.allfootballapp

League Issues Firm Rebuke

The Saudi Pro League responded with an unusually direct statement on February 5, emphasizing institutional authority over individual influence.

“No individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club,” the league declared, adding that “clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership” and that each operates “independently under the same rules.”youtube

The league noted that recent transfer activity reflected club-level decisions made “within approved financial parameters,” with Al-Hilal’s Benzema deal reportedly financed by a private investor rather than central PIF funding.reddit

Resolution and Return

According to reports from A Bola and Flashscore, the dispute has now been resolved following negotiations between Ronaldo’s camp and Saudi officials. José Semedo’s authority at the club has reportedly been reinstated, and overdue salary payments have been addressed.flashscore

Ronaldo is expected to return for Al-Nassr’s league match against Al-Fateh on February 14, though he will likely miss Thursday’s AFC Champions League Two fixture against Arkadag as a precaution.goal

Al-Nassr managed without their talisman, winning both matches during his absence to climb to second place in the standings, just one point behind leaders Al-Hilal. Sadio Mané converted a penalty in the 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad, while fans displayed yellow signs featuring Ronaldo’s name and number seven in solidarity during the seventh minute.espn

The Portuguese forward, who signed a contract extension last summer through June 2027 with a €50 million release clause, has scored 17 goals for Al-Nassr this season. Sources indicate PIF has promised major summer investments, with Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes among the potential targets.espn