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Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly refused to play for Al-Nassr in protest over what he sees as unfair financial treatment from the league’s powerful backers.
£488,000 a Day… But No Reinforcements?
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the 40-year-old has effectively gone on strike ahead of Al-Nassr’s showdown with rivals Al-Riyadh. Despite pocketing nearly half a million pounds every day, Ronaldo is said to be fed up with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is managing his club.
While the PIF owns a 75% stake in Al-Nassr, it also bankrolls rivals Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli. And that’s where the trouble starts. Ronaldo reportedly feels his club has been short-changed in the transfer market, while the competition splurges freely.
Rival Clubs Splash Cash While Al-Nassr Stalls
Since Ronaldo’s headline move in 2023, Saudi football has gone on a star-studded shopping spree. Karim Benzema joined Al-Ittihad, Riyad Mahrez landed at Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal snapped up a long list of reinforcements.
Al-Nassr? Just one signing in the January window—21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. Compare that to Al-Hilal’s recent £27.7m spree on defender Pablo Mari and Rennes forward Kader Meite, with another £26m deal for Saimon Bouabre reportedly in the works.
Manager’s Outburst Adds Fuel to the Fire
Al-Nassr boss Jorge Jesus, who once managed Al-Hilal, hasn’t kept quiet either. Last month, he called out the imbalance directly, saying Al-Nassr “does not have the political power of Al-Hilal.” That public jab nearly cost him, as Al-Hilal pushed for a league suspension of up to a year.
Ronaldo, now without a domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia, appears to share the frustration. He’s reportedly angry that Jesus isn’t getting the kind of backing needed to compete, especially when Al-Nassr sits just behind Al-Hilal in the standings.
Benzema’s Potential Move the Final Straw
What seems to have tipped Ronaldo over the edge? Word that former teammate Karim Benzema might leave Al-Ittihad for Al-Hilal. For Ronaldo, it’s just another sign the league’s power brokers are tipping the scales—and not in Al-Nassr’s favor.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Al-Nassr face a key derby today and could tie Al-Hilal on points with a win (albeit with a game more played). Instead, they’re without their captain and talisman.
Still Chasing 1,000 Goals
Ronaldo’s competitive fire clearly hasn’t faded. Just last week, he bagged career goal No. 961 in a win over Al-Kholood. He’s publicly said he wants to reach 1,000 and keep going “no matter where I play.”
Whether that future includes Saudi Arabia remains uncertain. In December, he floated the idea of returning to Europe. Now, with tensions rising and trophies still elusive, that option may be looking better by the day.
