Cristiano Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr: Ronaldo is back happily 2026

Contrary to explosive reports that spread like wildfire across Saudi and Portuguese media on Feb 4, Cristiano Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr normally and has not gone AWOL or boycotted the club. The 40-year-old remains in Riyadh, attends every scheduled session under manager Jorge Jesus, and is expected to be available for Friday’s huge league clash against Al-Ittihad.

The clarification — first reported by Record and later confirmed by Al Riyadhiah and other local outlets — ends 48 hours of intense speculation that Ronaldo had left the capital or refused to train in protest against Al Nassr’s quiet January transfer window.

Cristiano Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr: No Strike, Still in Riyadh Despite Transfer Fury

Last weekend, several Saudi pages and Portuguese tabloids claimed Ronaldo was “on strike” and had “left Riyadh” after becoming furious with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — the majority owner of both Al Nassr and Al Hilal — allegedly favouring Al Hilal in the title race.

The trigger? Al Hilal completed several high-profile deals in January while Al Nassr signed only one low-profile Iraqi midfielder (Hayder Abdulkareem). Benzema’s permanent move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal was the final straw for Ronaldo, who reportedly felt the league’s dominant club was being handed an unfair advantage.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr has continued uninterrupted. He trained on Monday (the day of the Al Riyadh 1-0 win), Tuesday, and Wednesday (January 21, 2026) and is part of the squad preparation for the Al-Ittihad derby. The “strike” story appears to have originated from a misinterpretation of Ronaldo’s visible anger during transfer talks and his decision to train separately for a short period while expressing his dissatisfaction privately.

Portuguese outlet Record summed it up clearly:

“Ronaldo is furious with the club’s lack of ambition in the transfer market, but he has not refused to train or play. He is still fully committed to the sessions and is expected to be available for Friday.”

Why Ronaldo is unhappy — the transfer window imbalance

Ronaldo’s frustration is not invented. The facts of the January 2026 window are stark:

Al Hilal

Permanent signing of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad
Pablo Marí (ex-Fiorentina) for ≈ €2m
Reportedly close to Kader Meïté (Rennes) for €30m
Linked with French U21 talent Saimon Bouabré (NEOM SC)

Al Nassr

Only one signing: 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem
Sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo reportedly had their transfer authority “frozen” by the board during the window

Al Nassr currently sit second with 47 points from 19 games — just one point behind Al Hilal. Ronaldo, who earns over $230 million annually and has scored 103 goals in 109 appearances since January 2023, has still not won the Saudi Pro League title. He sees the transfer disparity as a deliberate decision to tilt the championship toward Al Hilal.

No return to Portugal — MLS or Europe next?

Amid the turmoil, some media outlets speculated Ronaldo might force an early exit and return to Portugal. That option has been firmly ruled out.

Record and other sources state clearly: a return to the Portuguese league is not on the table. Ronaldo believes he still has the physical condition and ambition for a higher competitive level than Liga Portugal offers. Two realistic paths are emerging:

MLS — a reunion with Messi and Suárez at Inter Miami is repeatedly mentioned. The lifestyle, commercial opportunities and lower physical demands make it attractive.
Europe — a final short-term contract at a Champions League-level club (if the right project emerges).

Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr runs until summer 2027 (with an option for one more year), so any departure would likely require mutual agreement or a negotiated termination.

Current situation at Al Nassr (January 21, 2026)

Ronaldo is attending all training sessions
He is part of the squad preparation for Al-Ittihad on Friday
No official fine or disciplinary sanction has been announced
The club has not commented publicly on the transfer window controversy
Al Nassr remain second in the table, one point behind Al Hilal

Conclusion — a storm, but Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr

The Cristiano Ronaldo is still training Al Nassr reality has ended the short-lived “strike” narrative. While the Portuguese superstar is undeniably angry about Al Nassr’s lack of ambition and the perceived PIF favouritism toward Al Hilal, he has chosen to voice his discontent privately while continuing his professional duties.

Whether this internal tension leads to a summer exit, a negotiated contract termination, or a renewed push for silverware in 2026 remains the biggest storyline in the Saudi Pro League right now.

What do you think — will Ronaldo stay until 2027 or force a move in the next window? Leave your opinion below.

Iranian artist Fatemeh is paralyzed and uses her feet to paint iconic portraits, including her favorite player Ronaldo.

The time when Ronaldo was in Iran, he surprised her in person.pic.twitter.com/nD08yqZByO

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) February 3, 2026

Quick FAQs — Ronaldo Training Al Nassr Latest

1. Is Ronaldo still training with Al Nassr?
Yes — he has not missed any sessions and is preparing normally for Friday’s match against Al-Ittihad.

2. Did Ronaldo go on strike?
No. The “strike” reports were incorrect; he is unhappy but continues training.

3. Why is Ronaldo angry?
He believes PIF deliberately limited Al Nassr’s January transfers while allowing Al Hilal to strengthen significantly.

4. Has Ronaldo left Riyadh?
No — he remains in the city and is fully present at the training ground.

5. When does Ronaldo’s contract expire?
Summer 2027 (with an option for one additional year).

6. Current league table (after 19 games)
Al Hilal 47 pts | Al Nassr 46 pts

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Ronaldo on strike at Al Nassr: Cristiano is angry with the Saudi League? Shocking! 2026