Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent from Al Nassr’s lineup for a second consecutive game, having been omitted from the matchday squad for Friday’s clash against Al Ittihad. This decision follows his exclusion from the previous match, where Al Nassr secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh. Reports indicate that Ronaldo’s absence is linked to a disagreement with the management regarding the club’s operational strategies.
The Athletic highlighted that both Al Nassr and its fellow Saudi Pro League teams—Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal—are primarily under the ownership of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a significant 75 percent stake in each club. Consequently, the Saudi Pro League responded to concerns about decision-making, asserting that no individual can dictate operations beyond their specific club, emphasizing that each team operates independently.
Ronaldo’s frustration with Al Nassr’s leadership reportedly stems from what he perceives as a lack of ambition in bolstering the squad, especially during the recent winter transfer window. While the club did acquire Saudi international Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, concerns linger as his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, made a high-profile move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal.
As Al Nassr sits third in the league standings, just four points behind leaders Al Hilal, Ronaldo has expressed that the ambition level varies significantly among the clubs associated with the PIF. Sources close to the situation suggest that Ronaldo is unhappy not only about the recruitment strategies but also about what he perceives as inadequate operational and financial support from the club. He advocates for a more equitable treatment of all clubs within the Saudi Pro League to preserve competition integrity.
Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022 following his departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo has made a remarkable impact, scoring 111 goals in 127 games. Despite his successful tally, the Portuguese superstar has yet to secure a Saudi Pro League title or the coveted AFC Champions League trophy. He signed a lucrative two-year contract extension with the club in 2025, which awards him a staggering £175 million ($240 million) annually and includes a release clause of £44 million.
The ongoing developments surrounding Ronaldo and Al Nassr will be closely monitored as fans and analysts alike await clarity on his future with the club amidst these tensions.