Cristiano Ronaldo has made a surprising return to training with his Saudi Pro League club, Al-Nassr, despite being on strike in a high-profile dispute over recruitment and financial backing. The 41-year-old football icon, who earns an astonishing £488,000 per day, was seen working out on the pitch under the supervision of manager Jorge Jesus, hinting at a possible reconciliation after previously training separately.
Uncertainty Over Upcoming Match
Ronaldo's participation in Al-Nassr's crucial upcoming match against Al-Ittihad is not yet confirmed, as the superstar continues his protest. He is currently expected to boycott his second consecutive game, having already missed the clash with Al-Riyadh. The Portuguese forward is understood to be deeply unhappy with what he perceives as a lack of investment in the squad and preferential treatment given to rival clubs by Saudi backers.
Social Media Signals
The former Real Madrid star shared images of his training session with his 671 million social media followers, accompanied by blue and yellow heart emojis representing Al-Nassr's colours, but notably refrained from adding any caption. This ambiguous gesture has fuelled speculation about his intentions and the ongoing tensions within the club.
Recruitment Disparities Fuel Discontent
Ronaldo's frustration stems from significant financial inequalities in the Saudi Pro League. Reports indicate that since his arrival in the 2022-23 season, Al-Hilal have outspent Al-Nassr by a net £180 million. While Al-Hilal recently secured high-profile signings including Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7 million and Rennes forward Kader Meite for £26 million, Al-Nassr's only January acquisition was 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.
Manager Jorge Jesus has publicly criticised this imbalance, stating that Al-Nassr "does not have the political power of Al-Hilal," a club he previously managed. The situation has been exacerbated by Karim Benzema's controversial transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, which Ronaldo views as a bitter blow and further evidence of unequal treatment.
Broader Context of Player Protests
Ronaldo's strike is not an isolated incident in Saudi football. Karim Benzema himself recently protested against Al-Ittihad over what he deemed an "insulting" contract extension offer, training away from the squad before swiftly completing a move to Al-Hilal. Benzema, who earns approximately £230,000 daily, had accused his former club of making him "play for free" at the start of his contract, with compensation limited to image rights.
Potential Consequences and Future Prospects
If no resolution is reached, the situation could deteriorate rapidly, with speculation that Ronaldo may seek a transfer, potentially to Major League Soccer in the United States. He will also be keen to maintain his fitness ahead of representing Portugal at the upcoming World Cup in the US this summer.
Al-Nassr's hierarchy has imposed a media blackout, banning manager Jorge Jesus and players from speaking publicly about the dispute, as reported by Portuguese outlet A Bola. The club currently sits second in the league table, just one point behind leaders Al-Hilal and twelve points ahead of their next opponents, Al-Ittihad.
Ronaldo, the Saudi Pro League's marquee signing and marketing centrepiece, remains without a major trophy in the Middle East, while Al-Hilal are poised to secure their second league title in three years. His strike represents a significant challenge to the league's financial model and could influence how other high-profile players negotiate with Saudi clubs in future.
