Ronaldo's Saudi Clasico Dilemma: Training Returns, But Will He Take the Field?
4 February 2026
Ronaldo's Return and Friday's Clasico Decision
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to training on Wednesday ahead of Friday's clash with Al Ittihad at Al-Nass Park, the headline 21st round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League. The match is being billed as a Saudi Clasico with title implications.
He had been absent for the team's last game against Riyadh on Monday in Round 20.
Reports say the absence stems from Ronaldo's unhappiness with Karim Benzema's move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal during the winter mercato, as he believes the leaders' side has drawn stronger backing from rivals.
Ronaldo resumed training on Wednesday, with expectations that he could feature in the Clasico against Al Ittihad. His return would silence some doubts about his availability for the upcoming showdown.
Why the Delay and What Lies Ahead
However, ESPN, citing its own sources, says Ronaldo will maintain his stance and skip the match for a second straight time, arguing there is no tangible guarantee that the Public Investment Fund will change how the clubs it owns are run in the Saudi league.
The network adds that if no changes are secured in the coming weeks, Ronaldo could request his departure in June. Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see if talks behind the scenes shift the narrative before the summer window.
