Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to end his brief strike and will likely feature for Al Nassr against Al Ittihad on Friday, , according to multiple reports. The dramatic episode underscores growing tensions within the Saudi Pro League and raises questions about the financial structure supporting its ambitious expansion.
The Portuguese superstar reportedly initiated the protest after becoming increasingly frustrated with what he perceives as a disparity in financial backing between Al Nassr and other Saudi clubs, particularly Al Hilal. Ronaldo believes Al Nassr is not receiving the same level of investment from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) as rivals Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad. This concern was reportedly exacerbated by Al Hilal’s recent acquisition of Karim Benzema, a former Real Madrid teammate of Ronaldo, during the January transfer window.
Benzema made an immediate impact for Al Hilal, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 victory over Al Akhdoud, extending their lead over Al Nassr to four points in the Saudi Pro League standings. This result further fueled Ronaldo’s discontent, leading him to remove himself from contention for Al Nassr’s previous match against Al Riyadh.
Saudi Arabian football officials are reportedly losing patience with Ronaldo’s actions, recognizing the potential damage to the image of the Saudi Pro League and the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund. The league is actively attempting to persuade him to return to the pitch for Friday’s crucial match against Al Ittihad, issuing a public warning in an effort to resolve the situation. Officials are hoping the significance of the game will be enough to convince Ronaldo to play, despite his ongoing protest.
While Ronaldo is fully fit and has been training with his teammates, he has remained steadfast in his desire to continue his protest until his concerns are addressed. He feels Al Nassr are being disadvantaged, despite both Al Nassr and Al Hilal being majority owned by the PIF. The situation highlights a complex dynamic within the league, where private investment is also playing a role.
Sky Sports News reports that while Ronaldo is frustrated with the PIF, Benzema’s transfer to Al Hilal was actually funded by a private Saudi billionaire, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. The report also points out that Al Nassr has the opportunity to attract private investment to bolster its financial resources, suggesting a potential path forward for the club.
Despite the current impasse, Saudi officials maintain that Ronaldo has their full support and that they have been transparent with him regarding all transfer and investment opportunities. They express surprise at his unhappiness, given his reported involvement in the club at every level and his substantial earnings – estimated at around £500,000 per day.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr still has 18 months remaining, with a release clause of £43 million, despite the fact he is approaching his 41st birthday later this week. The situation raises questions about his long-term future in Saudi Arabia and whether he will ultimately seek a move elsewhere if his concerns are not adequately addressed.
Al Nassr secured a 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh without Ronaldo, thanks to a goal from former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane. However, the club clearly prefers to have their star player available and will be eager to see him return to action against Al Ittihad. The outcome of Friday’s match could have significant implications for the title race, with Al Nassr looking to close the gap on league leaders Al Hilal.
The broader implications of this dispute extend beyond Ronaldo’s individual situation. It underscores the challenges of integrating global superstars into a relatively new and evolving league. The Saudi Pro League’s ambition to become a major force in world football relies on attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring a level playing field for all clubs will be crucial to its long-term success. The league’s response to Ronaldo’s protest will be closely watched by players, agents, and fans alike.
While officials are optimistic that Ronaldo will play on Friday, the underlying issues remain unresolved. The situation serves as a reminder that financial stability and equitable investment are essential components of any successful football league, and that even the biggest stars can be affected by perceived imbalances.
