Have you moved from Portugal? Ronaldo returns to Al-Nassr, shares smiling photos from training, despite Jesus leaving the door open

Ronaldo appears to have moved on from Portugal controversy as he returns to Al-Nassr./ Image: X Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Al-Nassr training with a big smile and offered his clearest indication yet that his focus has already shifted away from the Portugal controversy. Just one day after Portugal secured another Nations League win without him, the 41-year-old forward was back at his club preparing for another challenge, putting the growing Jorge Jesus debate behind him for now.

Ronaldo returns to Al-Nassr after leaving the Portuguese camp

Ronaldo rejoined his Al-Nassr team-mates on Monday after leaving the Portugal camp during the international window and returning to Riyadh the previous Sunday with his family.The Portuguese forward reported to the club’s training center four days before Al-Nassr Saudi Roshn League’s meeting with Al-Diriyah, with the club releasing photos of Ronaldo smiling and taking part in training. Ronaldo himself also shared images from the sessionThe images showed the 41-year-old back among his teammates and involved in a session, giving Al-Nassr fans their first glimpse of their captain following the disruption surrounding his departure from Portugal.The striker played just 67 minutes in Portugal’s 1-0 win against Wales, meaning Al-Nassr will be hoping to have their captain at his disposal when the domestic campaign resumes.Ronaldo’s return comes after a still-public spat with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus, which began when the forward was left an unused substitute during the team’s 2-1 win over Norway despite warming up for around 30 minutes.Ronaldo subsequently left the national team camp and returned to his club, leaving questions as to whether the episode could affect his international future.With Al-Nassr now preparing to face Al-Diriyah in the eighth round of the Saudi Professional League, Ronaldo’s immediate focus has returned to club football and continued the team’s positive run.

Jorge Jesus leaves Portugal and returns completely to Ronaldo’s hands

While Ronaldo was returning to Al-Nassr, Jesus publicly addressed the situation following Portugal’s latest win over Norway.The Portugal coach refused to apologize for his decision to leave Ronaldo on the bench and made it clear that he remains responsible for deciding which players will start and which players will start the match.Still, Jesus has left the door open for Ronaldo during the next international window, provided the veteran striker remains active and plays for Al-Nassr.“For me, Cris, in the next call-up, if he plays in Al-Nassr, he will be a call-up player.He later made it clear that the ball is firmly in Ronaldo’s court, with the decision on whether he returns ultimately being his. Jesus said: “If he wants, he will return to the national team. We can talk before the next phone call, but Cris is the one to decide.”The situation subsequently left Ronaldo with the final decision as to whether his career in Portugal would continue, while the reasons for his departure from the camp remain unclear. In announcing his decision to leave, Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons that motivated him “in due course”, with the full story yet to be told.

Ronaldo and Jesus have already shared success at Al-Nassr

The latest dispute is particularly notable as Ronaldo and Jesus already have a successful history together at Al-Nassr.The pair worked together during the 2025-26 season and helped the Saudi Arabian club win the Saudi Pro League title, bringing Ronaldo another big success during his time in Saudi Arabia.Portugal also successfully progressed through the group stage with Ronaldo playing 67 minutes in the win over Wales before being substituted. Jesus’ team then beat Norway and Denmark before beating Norway again 2-1 on SundayThe result made it four wins from four matches for Portugal in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League and made them the first team to officially secure qualification for the quarter-finals.Portugal now top Group 4 of League A with 12 points from a possible 12 and maintain a perfect record under their new coaching setup.Ronaldo, meanwhile, has returned to the club as they prepare for another home test, with Al-Nassr facing Bruno Lage’s Al-Diriyah on Friday night.For now, the picture is remarkably simple as Ronaldo is back with Al-Nassr, Jesus has left the international decision with him and the forward has not made it clear publicly that he has decided to end his Portuguese career.