Cristiano Ronaldo Returns to Al Nassr Amid Rumors of Frustration With Club, Latest on Star's Status

Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al Nassr on Friday amid rumors of his unhappiness with the club.

Ronaldo posted photos of himself training with the team on X, along with the caption, "Locked in."

Per world football insider Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo is officially back with the team, and he will be available to play in Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League match against Al Fateh on Saturday.

ESPN's Bruno Andrade reported earlier this month that Ronaldo decided not to play in Al Nassr's 1-0 win over Al Riyadh on Feb. 2 due to being "unhappy with PIF's (Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund) lack of transfer activity at the club compared to other clubs owned by the fund."

Ronaldo also didn't play in a 2-0 win over Al Ittihad on Feb. 6 and a 1-0 win over Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two Round of 16 on Wednesday.

Per Andrade, Ronaldo was "said to be frustrated that Al Nassr have failed to add significant reinforcements in their push for the title," prior to rejoining the club.

Ronaldo's frustrations were reportedly compounded by rival Al Hilal landing veteran forward Karim Benzema.

Al Nassr are currently third in the Saudi Pro League standings, four points behind first-place Al Hilal and one point behind second-place Al Ahli.

Ronaldo, 41, joined Al Nassr in 2022 following spells at Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United. Despite his advancing age, the legendary player has maintained his high level of production.

The Portuguese national scored 50 goals in 51 matches across all competitions in 2023-24 and 35 goals in 41 matches last season. So far this season, Ronaldo has 18 goals in 22 matches for Al Nassr.

Soccer's all-time leader in goals scored in major competitions with well over 900, Ronaldo has not enjoyed as much team success at Al Nassr as expected.

The club finished second in the Saudi Pro League in each of his first two seasons, and third last season. Aside from the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, Al Nassr has not won a major competition during Ronaldo's tenure either.

While Al Nassr are currently third on the Saudi Pro League table, they are within striking distance of the top with plenty of matches left to be played on the season.