Ronaldo’s absence had reportedly been linked to frustrations over the club’s management under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which oversees Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League later emphasized that “no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club,” suggesting broader governance considerations behind recent developments.
The club had hinted at Ronaldo’s return ahead of the match with a social media post showing the captain’s armband placed beside his shirt in the dressing room, signaling his expected participation.
Journey to Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, shortly after his contract with Manchester United was terminated by mutual agreement. The move made him the highest-paid footballer in history, earning an annual salary of £177 million.
Since his arrival, Al-Nassr, a 10-time Saudi league champion, have added only the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup to their trophy cabinet. Despite signing a new two-year contract last June, reports suggest Ronaldo has been frustrated by his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema joining league leaders Al-Hilal FC from Al-Ittihad, a move seen as bolstering Al-Hilal’s title ambitions.
Al-Hilal currently leads the Saudi Pro League, just one point ahead of second-placed Al-Nassr, and is also overseen by the PIF, heightening the competitive and personal dynamics surrounding Ronaldo’s concerns.
Saturday’s performance may offer a temporary reprieve for the Portuguese superstar, but questions remain over how long he will continue at Al-Nassr and whether his frustration with league management and rival signings could influence his future in the Saudi Pro League.