Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally refused to play in Al-Nassr’s latest Saudi Pro League fixture, reportedly as a protest against the club’s lack of investment compared to rivals Al-Hilal.
The Protest: Fitness is Not the Issue
Despite being fully fit, Cristiano Ronaldo was a high-profile absentee from the squad that faced Al-Riyadh on Monday. Sources close to the player, corroborated by A BOLA and Fabrizio Romano, confirm this was not a rest day. Instead, it was a deliberate “power play” by the 40-year-old captain to signal his extreme dissatisfaction with the club’s administrative direction.
The PIF Disparity: Al-Nassr vs. Al-Hilal
Ronaldo’s frustration stems from a perceived lack of support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). While Al-Nassr only secured one signing this winter—21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem rivals Al-Hilal have been heavily backed, reportedly nearing a massive deal for Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.
Jorge Jesus, the Al-Nassr manager, added fuel to the fire recently by stating:
“We do not have the same political power as Al-Hilal.”
These comments sparked a backlash in the league but resonated deeply with Ronaldo, who feels the “balance of power” is being artificially skewed against his team.
Internal Chaos: Friends in Freefall
The crisis is not just about transfers; it’s personal. Earlier this month, the Al-Nassr board reportedly froze the powers of two of Ronaldo’s closest allies:
- Simão Coutinho (Sporting Director)
- José Semedo (CEO)
With his trusted inner circle sidelined, Ronaldo reportedly feels “abandoned” by the leadership, leading to this unprecedented strike.
The Al-Nassr Crisis: By The Numbers
- January Signings: 1 (Hayder Abdulkareem)
- League Position: 2nd (3 points behind Al-Hilal)
- Ronaldo’s Goals (2025/26): 17 goals in the Saudi Pro League.
- Contract Status: Committed until June 2027.
What Happens Next?
All eyes are now on Friday’s high-stakes showdown against Al-Ittihad. If Ronaldo continues his boycott, it could signal a terminal breakdown in relations between the player and the PIF. However, insiders suggest the strike was a “warning shot” intended to force immediate changes in the club’s management structure.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
