Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly ends strike at Al Nassr

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Al Nassr have fully paid the salaries owed to the club's staff and collaborators. This was a crucial condition for the Portuguese superstar to agree to resume playing.

Ronaldo has been training with the team in recent days but will not participate in the midweek AFC Champions League 2 match, when Al Nassr play away against Arkadag in Turkmenistan. The club plan for the 41-year-old to return in the Saudi Pro League in the game against Al Fateh on Feb. 15.

Ronaldo's two-match strike stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the Saudi Arabian football system, particularly the role of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The superstar believes that the major PIF-owned clubs are not being treated fairly regarding financial resources and support policies.

Cristiano Ronaldo during the Al Nassr vs Al Wehda match at the King Abdul Aziz Stadium in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Feb. 25, 2025. Photo by Reuters

Social factors also played a role in Ronaldo’s strike. Some Al Nassr staff members experienced delayed salaries during the team's recent turbulent period. Ronaldo raised this issue in discussions with management, considering it an integral part of the negotiation process. After the payments were completed, the tense atmosphere at the club reduced.

As part of the negotiation, the two Portuguese directors at Al Nassr, Jose Semedo and Simao Coutinho, were restored to their executive roles after having their positions restricted since late December 2025. Both Semedo and Coutinho were originally appointed due to their close relationship with Ronaldo.

Just days ago, Ronaldo's future in Saudi Arabia appeared in doubt. Sky Sports reported that his current contract includes a release clause worth approximately US$60 million. The source stated that Ronaldo sent a message to the PIF and Saudi Pro League organizers, demanding a clearer explanation of their direction or he would consider leaving in the summer 2026 transfer window.

The main reason for Ronaldo's disappointment is the league's transfer policy. He reportedly questioned Al Hilal being able to mobilize resources to recruit Karim Benzema while Al Nassr faced limitations, suggesting unfair competition between clubs backed by the PIF.

Ronaldo's appeal in Saudi Arabia remains undeniable. At the Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad match on Feb. 6, the stands displayed banners with his jersey number 7, accompanied by chants of his name.

Regarding speculation about a potential return to the Premier League, a source close to Manchester United confirmed they have no plans to bring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford for a third time.