Cristiano Ronaldo made a scoring return for Al Nassr after sitting out three consecutive matches, immediately reminding the Saudi Pro League why he remains its biggest star. The 41-year-old captain struck just 18 minutes into his comeback against Al Fateh, leading his side to a vital win that keeps their title ambitions alive.
After his last appearance in late January, Ronaldo missed three games amid intense speculation about his future and reported frustration over the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s transfer priorities. During his absence, Al Nassr managed to keep winning, but questions grew about dressing-room harmony and whether the Portuguese great was nearing the end of his time in Riyadh.
Back in the starting XI alongside big names like João Félix and Sadio Mané, Ronaldo wasted no time settling the narrative. His well-taken opener settled nerves in the stadium and in the boardroom, signalling that whatever off-field tensions remain, he is still central to Al Nassr’s project and their attacking structure. The victory also nudged the club closer to league leaders Al Hilal, tightening an already intense title race.
Individually, the goal pushes Ronaldo’s league tally this season toward the top of the scoring charts, keeping him in the Golden Boot conversation despite his brief layoff. Beyond statistics, his return underlined his enduring influence: stadium atmosphere, global viewership and team confidence all spike when he is on the pitch. With his long-stated personal ambition of approaching 1,000 career goals still alive, every appearance now feels like part of a historic countdown rather than a mere league fixture.
For Al Nassr, the bigger question is whether this reunion marks a lasting reset or only a temporary truce. Interest from Europe and MLS is unlikely to fade, and Ronaldo’s own camp has not closed the door on one final move. For now, though, club and superstar are aligned around a clear, short-term objective: chase down Al Hilal, win trophies, and keep Ronaldo’s remarkable late-career chapter burning as brightly as possible.
