Cristiano Ronaldo set to end Saudi Pro League absence, likely to feature against Al-Ittihad

Portugal great and Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to bring an end to his Saudi Pro League absence and return to action against Al-Ittihad in a high-profile clash on Friday, according to a report by Goal.com.

The update comes after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was left out of the recent derby against Al-Riyadh, amid growing frustration over how transfer funds are being allocated among clubs in Saudi Arabia. Earlier, ESPN had reported that Ronaldo was prepared to sit out a second straight league game, unhappy with the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) handling of investment and squad building at Al-Nassr.

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Ronaldo did not feature in Al-Nassr’s narrow 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Monday, with sources suggesting his absence was a form of protest against what he perceived as limited backing for his club, while rivals Al-Hilal continued to strengthen aggressively.

According to ESPN, the Portuguese star was particularly displeased by the attempted move involving Karim Benzema, believing that allowing high-profile transfers to benefit Al-Hilal would tilt the title race unfairly in their favour.

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo trained with the squad this week and shared images on social media wearing Al-Nassr colours. However, notably, the club’s official X handle only posted training photos of head coach Jorge Jesus and other players, with Ronaldo absent from those visuals.

Al-Nassr currently sit second in the league standings with 46 points, just one behind leaders Al-Hilal, and will face sixth-placed Al-Ittihad on Friday. Off the pitch, tensions have been simmering at the club, with sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo recently suspended by the PIF, a development that reportedly further angered Ronaldo and slowed down potential signings due to tightened spending.

In contrast, Al-Hilal are believed to have received a significant financial boost from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, one of the club’s key benefactors. Sources told ESPN that several of Al-Hilal’s recent signings, including Benzema, were funded by Alwaleed, who owns 25 per cent of the club, with the remaining stake held by the PIF.

While Ronaldo remains frustrated with the broader situation and is still chasing his first major trophy with Al-Nassr, sources indicate that he has offers from clubs in Europe and the United States. However, the 39-year-old is reluctant to make a move that could disrupt his preparation for the FIFA World Cup.

With the Saudi Pro League keen to retain one of its biggest global icons, Al-Nassr and the PIF have reportedly assured Ronaldo of major investment plans in the upcoming summer window, with Portugal teammate and Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes among the high-profile names being discussed.