Contrary to explosive reports circulating in the Saudi Arabian press, Ronaldo has not gone AWOL in a bid to force an exit from Al-Nassr. Speculation had intensified over the last 24 hours suggesting that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner had left the capital city and refused to attend training sessions following a breakdown in relations with the club's hierarchy.
However, Portuguese outlet Record says that the veteran forward remains in Riyadh and has maintained a perfect attendance record at the club’s facilities. The report states that Ronaldo has not missed a single scheduled session and is expected to participate fully in Wednesday’s training under manager Jorge Jesus.
This clarification comes at a critical juncture for the club, who are preparing for a massive showdown against Al-Ittihad on Friday.
While Ronaldo is physically present, his dissatisfaction with the club's situation is reportedly acute. The source of his anger stems from a chaotic January transfer window in which he feels Al-Nassr were left unsupported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), while their direct rivals were nearly handed a decisive advantage.
Tensions reached a boiling point regarding the future of Benzema. The former Real Madrid striker, currently at Al-Ittihad, was the subject of a controversial proposed transfer to league leaders Al-Hilal. Ronaldo is understood to have been incensed by the prospect of the league's dominant force - who are one point ahead of Al-Nassr in the table - being allowed to sign one of the world's best forwards from a direct rival. In the end, however, the veteran Portugal star was unable to prevent his former Real Madrid team-mate from making the switch.
Ronaldo reportedly viewed this as clear evidence of an uneven playing field, where Al-Hilal are given preferential treatment in recruitment while Al-Nassr struggle to bring in elite reinforcements to compete. Reports suggest Ronaldo actively intervened to express his outrage, effectively helping to block a move that he felt would have destroyed the competitive integrity of the Saudi Pro League. The fact that Al-Nassr failed to make significant signings of their own to close the gap has only compounded his frustration, leaving him feeling isolated in his ambition to win silverware.