Al-Nassr fans back Ronaldo with banner as he scores on return after Portugal walkout

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to club football with a goal and a show of fan support on Friday, scoring a free-kick as Al-Nassr beat Diriyah 3-0 — his first appearance since abandoning Portugal’s international camp following a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus over playing time.

Al-Nassr supporters wasted no time in making their position clear, unfurling a banner before kick-off that read: “Greatness is earned, CR7, all-time top scorer in football history.” The gesture stood in sharp contrast to the scenes that preceded Ronaldo’s walkout, when the 41-year-old was criticised for failing to acknowledge Portugal fans after a victory against Norway.

The win over Diriyah takes Ronaldo to four goals from eight appearances for Al-Nassr this season. It was a straightforward return to form for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward, even as the fallout from his international exit continues.

In a lengthy public statement issued after leaving Portugal’s camp, Ronaldo apologised directly to supporters. “At the end of the match I only wanted everything to finish with the victory and to be alone. I did not go to greet the fans,” he wrote. “A failing that is solely my responsibility and that should not have happened. I apologise to the Portuguese who supported us intensely there, I apologise to the fans, and I apologise to those who, without being Portuguese, may have travelled there to see me and whom I may have disappointed.”

Ronaldo also called on the Portuguese Football Federation to punish him without leniency, acknowledging that his captaincy made the offence more serious. “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.”

He has already received an automatic suspension, and a disciplinary board will determine the full length of his ban. Whether that ruling affects his international future remains to be seen, but Friday’s reception in Saudi Arabia suggested his standing with Al-Nassr’s fanbase is, for now, undiminished.