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Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo is back in Al-Nassr’s squad and could play in today’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fateh.
The 41-year-old had missed the last three games after expressing frustration with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) during the January transfer window. His absence was seen as a form of protest, but he has now resumed training and is ready to return.
Ronaldo’s last appearance came on January 30, when he scored in Al-Nassr’s win over Al-Kholood. Since then, Jorge Jesus’ team has managed well without him, winning three straight matches without conceding. Still, Ronaldo’s comeback is a major boost as the club continues its push in the title race.
Reports suggest Ronaldo was unhappy with the lack of support from PIF, especially after Karim Benzema was allowed to leave Al-Ittihad for Al-Hilal, who currently lead the league. Despite this, Ronaldo has rejoined the squad and looks set to play alongside teammates such as Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane.
The situation drew comments from former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos, who defended Ronaldo’s importance to Saudi football.
Kroos said the league gained global attention because of Ronaldo and warned that without him, it would lose much of its appeal. In response, the Saudi Pro League issued a statement stressing that clubs operate independently and that no single player controls league decisions. They acknowledged Ronaldo’s impact but stressed that rules apply equally to all teams.
For Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s return comes at a crucial time. The team is on a seven-game winning streak and sits third in the table. A win against Al-Fateh would move them up to second, just one point behind leaders Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo has already scored 17 league goals this season, trailing only Ivan Toney (20) and Julián Quinones (18). His focus now is not only on helping Al-Nassr fight for the title but also on his personal milestone:
Reaching 1,000 career goals. He currently stands at 961, needing 39 more to hit the historic mark.
