The Saudi Pro League is facing its biggest internal crisis since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary forward was a notable absentee in Al-Nassr’s recent clash against Al-Riyadh, and reports suggest his absence is tied to a growing “rebellion” against the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The €237 Million Disparity
Ronaldo’s frustration stems from the perceived financial favouritism towards arch-rivals Al-Hilal. According to a study by the Portuguese outlet A Bola, the investment gap between the two clubs is staggering. Since CR7 joined in early 2023, the PIF has injected €647 million into Al-Hilal, compared to €410 million for Al-Nassr a difference of nearly €237 million.
This imbalance has reportedly left Ronaldo feeling that Al-Nassr is being sidelined in the race for domestic and continental dominance.
Coaching Controversy: Jorge Jesus Weighs In
The tension isn’t limited to the pitch. Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus formerly of Al-Nassr famously stoked the fires by claiming that Al-Nassr lacks the “political power” of his current club. While Al-Hilal attempted to distance themselves from the comments, the sentiment has echoed through the Al-Nassr locker room, fueling the sense of injustice felt by the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Next Stop: MLS or a European Return?
With his 41st birthday approaching and his dissatisfaction reaching a breaking point, Ronaldo is reportedly considering his options for June 2026. According to Record, Major League Soccer (MLS) is a serious contender for his signature, potentially setting up a final showdown in the same league as Lionel Messi.
Ronaldo’s current contract includes a €50 million release clause, a figure that wouldn’t deter US franchises or ambitious European clubs looking for a final season of “CR7 magic.”
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
