Cristiano Ronaldo Calls Off Strike as Club Meets His Two Key Demands
Cristiano Ronaldo has allegedly concluded his absence from Al Nassr fixtures following the settlement of outstanding wages and the reinstatement of his two key allies within the club's management structure.
The Portuguese star missed two consecutive matches for the Saudi Pro League contenders after becoming reportedly incensed by the club's minimal January transfer activity. Witnessing his former Real Madrid colleague Karim Benzema sign with big-spending league leaders Al Hilal served as the final straw.
Following a week of tension, the protest appears to have concluded. ESPN Brasil initially reported that Ronaldo had rejoined first-team preparations after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds controlling interests in both Al Nassr and Al Hilal, agreed to his conditions.
Among the primary concerns allegedly highlighted by Ronaldo were unpaid wages owed to various Al Nassr personnel—though whether these involved players, coaching staff, or other employees remains unclear. These outstanding payments have reportedly been settled completely following pressure from the world's highest-paid footballer.
Perhaps more significantly—albeit less favorable from a public relations standpoint—sporting director Simão Coutinho and chief executive José Semedo regained their decision-making authority. The Portuguese executives, who previously worked alongside Ronaldo at Sporting CP, were believed to have lost their transfer responsibilities just prior to the January window, which triggered Ronaldo's anger.
With their positions restored, the pair can now focus on organizing a substantial summer recruitment campaign that Ronaldo evidently anticipates will be significant.
When Will Ronaldo Return for Al Nassr?
When Will Ronaldo Return for Al Nassr?
Al Nassr will undertake the lengthy 3,700-mile journey to Arkadag, Turkmenistan for their AFC Champions League Two fixture on Wednesday, though Ronaldo will not accompany the squad.
Jorge Jesus's team has found good form during their star striker's absence, securing victories in their previous two outings while maintaining clean sheets. Former Liverpool attacker and newly crowned African champion Sadio Mané has assumed a more prominent role without Ronaldo, finding the net in both games with support from João Félix operating behind him.
Instead of rushing Ronaldo back for the demanding Central Asian expedition, various sources suggest the 41-year-old will be held back until Saturday's domestic encounter against mid-table opponents Al Fateh.
Tone of Reports Aim to Change Mood Around Ronaldo
Tone of Reports Aim to Change Mood Around Ronaldo
Public reaction to Ronaldo's decision to boycott Al Nassr matches has been largely critical. Media coverage of the situation consistently highlighted his enormous salary, which many felt was too generous to justify any complaints about transfer policy.
The league itself appeared unimpressed, issuing a firm public statement emphasizing: "No individual—regardless of their stature—dictates decisions beyond their own club."
Addressing this negative publicity, reports of Ronaldo's comeback have strategically emphasized his advocacy for colleagues' unpaid wages. Portuguese publication A BOLA particularly praised this approach. "This act of solidarity from CR7 was crucial for the positive resolution," the article proclaimed, "demonstrating that the captain was also championing the rights of those who labor daily in the shadow of the Riyadh giant."
The Portuguese sports publication showed such admiration for Ronaldo that the same piece repeatedly employed the white smoke metaphor to describe his final decision, alluding to the tradition used when selecting a new Catholic Pope. The Cristiano phenomenon continues unabated.