Cristiano Ronaldo puts Portugal problems to one side with goal for Al Nassr

Published: 16:15 EDT, 9 October 2026 | Updated: 16:15 EDT, 9 October 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo put his off-field troubles on the backburner as he scored the opening goal in Al Nassr’s 3-0 home Saudi Pro League win against Diriyah.

Ronaldo, who issued an apology to his Portugal team-mates and fans earlier this week after walking out on their Nations League training camp, fired into the top corner from inside the penalty area in the 23rd minute.

Samu Costa’s header put Al Nassr 2-0 up at the break and Kingsley Coman sealed all three points for Ange Postecoglou’s side with their third in the 77th minute.

⚽️ || GOOOOOAAAAL! 🤩🐐Cristiano Ronaldo scores the first goal 23’ for @AlNassrFC #Nassr 1:0 #AlDiriyah pic.twitter.com/inR8xEz10X

Ronaldo’s international future was in doubt after he left the Portugal squad last Sunday and he issued a lengthy statement on Tuesday explaining a breakdown of trust in head coach Jorge Jesus had led to his departure.

But the Al Nassr captain, who said he still wants to play for his country, showed no ill-effects on his return to action at Alawwal Park in Riyadh by scoring his fourth goal in eight league games this season.

Ronaldo started in Portugal’s 1-0 win against Wales in Lisbon last month, but was an unused substitute in their next match – a 2-1 win in Norway – despite being asked to warm up.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his return to Al Nassr duty (Luis Vieira/AP)

He then left the squad, accusing Jorge of reneging on promises, and missed Portugal’s subsequent matches in Denmark and the return fixture against Norway.

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