Ronaldo returns after Portugal quarrel and scores in Al-Nassr win
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al-Nassr following a dispute with the Portugal national team and scored in a 3-0 victory over Diriyah. The win keeps Al-Nassr competitive in the Saudi Pro League standings.
Why it matters
Ronaldo's performance remains a focal point for global sports media, particularly as his career milestones continue to draw international attention.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to club soccer action on Friday (October 10, 2026) after a controversial international break with Portugal and scored the opening goal as Al-Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 in the Saudi Pro League.
The victory put the defending champions level on points behind leader Al-Qadsiah on goal difference in the eighth round.
During the international window, the 41-year-old Ronaldo walked out of the Portugal squad, for which he has scored 146 goals in 234 appearances.
In a long statement posted on Tuesday, Ronaldo said recently hired coach Jorge Jesus hadn't been true to his word about when he would play the striker in the Nations League.
Ronaldo won the Saudi Arabia title in May with Jesus as Al-Nassr coach and opened the scoring on Friday midway through the first half.
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