Ronaldo's Tantrum Ending? Saudi Officials Expect Al Nassr Star To End Strike Soon - Report

Last Updated:February 04, 2026, 23:55 IST

Saudi officials expect Ronaldo to return for Al Nassr's RSL clash against Al Ittihad after missing games over transfer frustrations.

Cristiano Ronaldo. (AP Photo)

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to end his standoff with Al Nassr and return to action against Al Ittihad on Friday, with senior Saudi football officials confident the showdown is simply too big for him to miss.

Ronaldo has been absent amid growing frustration over Al Nassr’s lack of ambition in the January window, believing the club has not received the same financial backing as PIF-backed rivals Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.

While those clubs strengthened significantly, Al Nassr’s only addition was young Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem: a move that left the 40-year-old unimpressed.

Despite reports suggesting he had flown to Portugal, Saudi officials insist Ronaldo remains in Riyadh.

And as per Sky Sports, while his return has not been officially confirmed, there is a strong belief that he has made his point and will now resume his duties, especially with Al Nassr able to go top of the Saudi Pro League with a win.

Ronaldo missed Monday’s victory over Al Riyadh, fuelling speculation of a strike. Club officials were privately surprised by his dissatisfaction, given his reported £500,000-a-day salary and the level of influence he already holds behind the scenes. He has been involved in discussions around recruitment and investment, making his frustration all the more striking.

The timing is critical. Al Hilal currently sit one point clear at the summit, and Ronaldo is desperate to finally lift the Saudi Pro League title: a key reason he wanted reinforcements this winter. Al Hilal’s signing of Karim Benzema only heightened that sense of imbalance.

Ronaldo has 18 months left on his contract, which includes a £43m summer release clause, and will turn 41 this week.

For now, Saudi officials stress that nothing has fundamentally changed: Ronaldo still has their full backing, and they expect him to lead Al Nassr once again when they face Al Ittihad on Friday.

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