Cristiano Ronaldo Speaks Out After Spectacular Goal Ends Al Nassr Drought
Cristiano Ronaldo shared an optimistic social media post following his goal-scoring comeback to Al Nassr's starting lineup on Saturday.
The 41-year-old superstar had been absent from three consecutive matches for the club that provides his record-breaking wages before netting 18 minutes into this weekend's encounter against Al Fateh. The initial two fixtures—both victories for Al Nassr—were boycotted by Ronaldo in protest of the club's perceived insufficient transfer activity.
Ronaldo ended his boycott during the week allegedly after Al Nassr agreed to settle outstanding salary payments for various staff members. Two of the Portuguese striker's key supporters within the organization also had their authority restored prior to what many anticipate will be a busier summer transfer period.
"Another step forward," Ronaldo posted on X after netting the opener in Al Nassr's 2–0 victory following his protest's conclusion. "Let's keep going."
Following the unfortunate aftermath of his highly visible protest, it's reasonable that Ronaldo would prefer to direct attention toward the future rather than reflect on his recent conduct.
Ronaldo Faces Fight for Saudi Pro League Top Scorer Title
Ronaldo Faces Fight for Saudi Pro League Top Scorer Title
Ronaldo's precise side-footed finish into the distant corner marked the 962nd goal of his professional career across club and international football, bringing his season total to 18 goals in 19 Saudi Pro League appearances. Nevertheless, he isn't the division's leading marksman.
That honor presently belongs to ex-Brentford striker Ivan Toney. The England representative has netted 20 goals in an equal number of league matches this campaign for Al Ahli, who trail Al Nassr by merely two points in third position.
Toney's elevated status stems from a remarkable post-holiday surge. Since January began, the 29-year-old has accumulated 14 goals across just 10 appearances. Ronaldo manages only five strikes in 2026, with his statistics hampered by his voluntary absence.
Ronaldo doesn't stand alone with his 18-goal tally—28-year-old Mexican international Julián Quiñones has matched that total for Al Qadsiah this season.
Ronaldo's Behavior Defended by Portugal Manager
Ronaldo's Behavior Defended by Portugal Manager
While critics have questioned Ronaldo's audacity in refusing to play for a team paying him over $700,000 daily, Portugal national team boss Roberto Martínez has quickly defended his star player.
When BBC Sport asked the international coach about managing someone with Ronaldo's ego and worldwide fame, Martínez responded with a smile: "Very easy, due to his elevated standards, his expectations regarding work quality, and his dedication to football. He genuinely exemplifies what representing Portugal and the national team should entail.
"And he has evolved, naturally, after 21 years with the national squad—he's adapted. He remains a goalscorer, a crucial player for us, and his current form matters most to me. As a national team manager, having a player who's scored 25 goals in his last 30 international appearances... he's not selected based on past achievements, but current performance."
Ronaldo celebrated his 41st birthday in February and would become the second-oldest field player in men's World Cup history if selected for this summer's competition. Martínez harbors no doubts about his aging striker's capabilities.
"We have comprehensive statistics," the manager emphasized. "If you analyzed a player experiencing physical decline, that's not applicable here. His fitness metrics match those of a player who could continue indefinitely. It's more about when he personally feels it's appropriate to step away. He's extremely self-critical. When he realizes he can't contribute to the team, he'll make that decision himself."
As Al Nassr discovered, Ronaldo controls both his departures and his returns.