Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr has come under renewed scrutiny after the Portuguese forward was left out of the squad for Monday’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that the 40-year-old is refusing to play, citing growing dissatisfaction with how the club is being run by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls several top Saudi clubs.
PIF Control and Growing Discontent
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia’s most successful club with 19 league titles, are controlled by the PIF, which also owns Newcastle United in the English Premier League.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history with an annual salary reported at £177 million. Despite his prolific goal-scoring, his only trophy with the club remains the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.
Benzema Signing Adds to Tensions
BBC Sport sources have indicated that Al-Hilal’s signing of Karim Benzema has been a major source of frustration for Ronaldo. Benzema, a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad after his contract was terminated.
One source familiar with the situation said:
“He’s just competitive and doesn’t like other clubs getting stronger.”
Contract Extension but Lingering Doubts
Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract in June 2025, but prior to the deal there was speculation over a possible loan move to Al-Hilal.
Despite the extension, his omission from the squad has fueled fresh speculation about his long-term future in Riyadh.
Ronaldo’s Performance in Saudi Arabia
Goals Without Silverware
Ronaldo has been highly productive on the pitch:
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14 goals in the 2022–23 season after joining mid-campaign
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Top scorer in the last two Saudi Pro League seasons with 35 and 25 goals
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961 career goals, just 39 short of 1,000, after scoring against Al-Kholood last week
However, team success has been limited:
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League runners-up in his first two seasons
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Third place last season, finishing 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad
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King’s Cup final defeat to Al-Hilal in 2023–24
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Asian Champions League semi-final exit last season
Al-Nassr are competing this season in the Asian Champions League Two, a step below the elite competition.
Watching Rivals Succeed
Ronaldo has also seen former teammates Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves win league titles in Saudi Arabia, while rivals Al-Ahli lifted the Asian Champions League with stars such as Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney.
Is Al-Nassr Falling Behind in Investment?
Since the PIF takeover in 2023, Saudi Arabia’s “big four” clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr — have spent heavily on star players.
While Al-Nassr signed Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Marcelo Brozovic, and later Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman, rival clubs have enjoyed greater success on the pitch.
Al-Nassr are now reportedly behind Al-Qadsiah and newly promoted Neom SC in transfer spending since last summer. Al-Hilal have continued to reinforce their squad, adding Pablo Mari and teenage prospect Mohamed Kader Meite in January.
Saudi Sports Investment Slowing?
Saudi Arabia has invested billions across global sports, including Formula 1, boxing, golf, tennis, and football, and is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
However, signs suggest spending is becoming more restrained:
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New financial regulations introduced in July 2025
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Delays and scaling back of projects such as Neom city
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Postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games
After spending more than £1.1 billion since 2023, Saudi Pro League clubs are now operating under a more financially sustainable model.
Analysis: Ronaldo and the Fallout
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career has shown that once he takes a firm stance, compromise is unlikely. His explosive exit from Manchester United in 2022 demonstrated his willingness to challenge club hierarchies publicly.
With higher wages, greater expectations, and fewer trophies, how Ronaldo handles the current situation at Al-Nassr will be closely watched—especially as he has yet to speak publicly on the matter.
