Ronaldo Ends Saudi Boycott; Jorge Jesus Returns as Al Nassr Pays Overdue Salaries

The Portugal captain has ended his two-match strike in Saudi Arabia, a move that stabilises Al Nassr’s season and keeps Jorge Jesus in the dug-out—for now.

Why This Matters

• TV subscribers in Portugal keep access to full Saudi Pro League coverage—no more blackouts.

• End of salary delays at Al Nassr may reassure Portuguese professionals working abroad about payment security.

• Transfer window ripple: Ronaldo’s next step could reopen talks with MLS or a European club as early as June 2026.

• Coaching carousel: Jorge Jesus’s renewal is now tied to the striker’s mood, affecting the market for Portuguese managers.

From Showdown to Cease-fire

Three weeks of silence, skipped press conferences and a pair of league fixtures without Cristiano Ronaldo cast a shadow over the Saudi Pro League. The flashpoint was the Public Investment Fund’s alleged “two-speed” financing: Al Hilal splashed €100 M, while Al Nassr signed only low-cost reinforcements. Ronaldo—backed by Portugal coach Jorge Jesus—responded by sitting out matches and ordering a full media blackout. The impasse broke on 9 February when unpaid club staff finally received wages and directors regained authority over the budget.

Dollars, Politics and Ego

At the core was a tug-of-war between the league’s central power and superstar leverage. Ronaldo’s camp argued that a global ambassador deserves a level playing field; Riyadh’s administrators countered that “no individual overrules national objectives.” The public showdown left both sides bruised but delivered two concrete gains: overdue salaries cleared and internal spending rules clarified. Neither side, however, conceded on the bigger question—how the PIF allocates money between its own clubs.

Jorge Jesus Steps Back In

Fined twice for skipping mandatory media duties—penalties can reach €112 000—the 71-year-old Lisbon native returned to the microphone last week. He admitted that Al Hilal’s heavier wallet once helped him when he managed there, yet insisted Al Nassr now has “enough structure to fight for titles.” The peace keeps his short-term contract alive, but sources in Riyadh say an extension beyond June hinges on Ronaldo staying through 2027.

What This Means for Residents of Portugal

• Broadcast certainty: SportTV retains a full rights package, so fans will continue to see every minute without last-minute schedule changes.

• Merchandise pipeline: Portuguese retailers importing Al Nassr jerseys had paused orders; shipments resume this week, meaning no shortage ahead of Easter sales.

• Job prospects abroad: Agents report that payment guarantees introduced after the strike have improved confidence among Portuguese fitness coaches and physios eyed by Gulf clubs.

• Transfer intrigue: If Ronaldo pushes for a move in summer, Benfica and Sporting could negotiate lucrative friendlies, mirroring the 2019 Juventus visit that filled Estádio da Luz and pumped €5 M into local hospitality.

Uneasy Truce—Next Flashpoint in June

Ronaldo scored on his return, calming supporters, but insiders describe the situation as “one incident from relapsing.” The striker’s €50 M release clause is affordable for a handful of MLS sides flush with Apple-TV cash, and European Champions League contenders are monitoring. Any mid-season dip in investment may reignite tension.

Bottom Line for Investors & Expats

Saudi football remains a magnet for Portuguese talent—from nutritionists to data analysts—yet the February dispute exposed real governance risks. Prospective workers should demand salary-delay clauses, and small businesses exporting to the kingdom would be wise to secure trade-credit insurance. For fans at home, the immediate drama is over; what lingers is the question familiar to every Portuguese: will Ronaldo stay or will he go?