Cristiano Ronaldo strikes on Al Nassr return after Portugal controversy as supporters pay tribute - ‘Greatness is earned’
Updated 10/10/2026 at 12:10 GMT+1
React to this story
Cristiano Ronaldo put his international concerns to one side as he scored in Al Nassr's 3-0 Saudi Pro League win over Al Diriyah on Friday, in what was his first game back in club football since leaving the Portugal camp.
'Apologise for what?' - Portugal boss Jesus snaps over Ronaldo question
Video credit: SNTV
Ronaldo was in the headlines during the international break after walking away from the Portugal squad having been an unused substitute in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League win away at Norway.
He later claimed head coach Jorge Jesus "had broken his word" to bring him on in the second half in Oslo.
Ronaldo then missed Portugal's following clashes with Denmark and Norway, leaving his future with the national team up in the air.
But he was back in action for Al Nassr, where the home fans made clear their support for the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward.
A banner with the words "greatness is earned" was brandished before kick-off and fans chanted Ronaldo's name in the seventh minute.
The veteran opened the scoring for his side 23 minutes in, converting a rebound after a shot from Kingsley Coman, taking the 41-year-old's career goals tally to 980.
Former Bayern Munich winger Coman and Samu Costa were also on the scoresheet as Al Nassr moved level on points with league leaders Al Qadsiah.
"Job done. On to the next one!" Ronaldo wrote on social media after the match.
Al Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou was asked about Ronaldo's situation with the Portuguese national side before the game.
- Arsenal eye Alvarez-Gyokeres swap deal, Madrid face Olise setback
- Man Utd could face huge financial blow if JJ Gabriel moves abroad - Paper Round
- Mourinho slams 'ridiculous' Mbappe obsession after nightclub and cycling storm
"Ronaldo played for us with full commitment and his morale is very high," Postecoglou said. "I'm his coach now at Al Nassr, and he is a great addition to our team.
"I don't like to talk about what happened with his national team."
He added: "I previously coached a national team for four years, and I don't like club managers talking about national team managers, so I won't comment on that."
Current Portugal boss Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Al Nassr, winning the Saudi Pro League title last season.
It remains to be seen if the rift between the two will be repaired as the latter closes in on his target of 1,000 goals.
In a statement published on his social media after his decision to walk away from the camp, Ronaldo explained that "broken promises" led to his actions, while also stressing that he deserved to be punished.
"I also owe an apology to my national team-mates for having left the camp," Ronaldo said in his statement.
"Despite the absolute breach of trust in the coach's word, as those who witnessed these conversations can attest, I should not have done it. The responsibility is exclusively mine.
"I apologise to the Portuguese people once again, but the breaking of one's word has, for me, a defining impact. I felt that, from that point on, my remaining would only harm the working group, and I did what I have always said I would do if I did not feel useful: I packed my bags and left.
"The consequence of this act of mine must be assessed and punished by the Portuguese Football Federation.
"I understand that the punishment should have no mitigating factors. I am not just any player; I am team captain, and that constitutes an aggravating factor. I have already apologised, but I know that attitudes must have consequences."
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here for more news stories like this.
Watch and stream the Premier League, men's and women's FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live with TNT Sports on HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement