Cristiano Ronaldo’s discontent with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has escalated into a visible protest, as the Al Nassr captain sat out his team’s recent 1-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Riyadh on . The absence of the Portuguese superstar, who has amassed an impressive 91 goals in 95 Saudi Pro League appearances since joining Al Nassr in 2023, stems from frustration over what he perceives as a lack of adequate investment in the squad compared to rival clubs backed by the PIF, most notably Al Hilal.
Sources indicate that Ronaldo effectively went on strike, making himself unavailable for selection not due to injury or falling out with manager Jorge Jesus, but as a direct expression of his disappointment with the PIF’s transfer policy. This situation highlights a growing tension between Ronaldo’s ambitions for Al Nassr and the broader strategic direction of the league’s ownership structure.
The contrast between Al Nassr’s transfer activity and that of Al Hilal is at the heart of the issue. While Al Nassr secured the signing of Iraq under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem this January, Al Hilal has been significantly more active, bringing in France forward Karim Benzema (reportedly a target Ronaldo attempted to block from joining Al Hilal), 18-year-old forward Mohamed Meïté from Stade Rennais, former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí from Fiorentina, and Saudi internationals Murad Al Hawsawi and Sultan Mandash from Al Khaleej and Al Taawoun. Benzema’s potential move from Al Ittihad is particularly sensitive, as Al Hilal’s financial backing, facilitated by Prince Al Waleed’s impending ownership, allows for acquisitions that Al Nassr cannot currently match.
This isn’t simply a matter of player acquisition; it’s a statement about competitive balance within the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo’s arrival in 2023 was heralded as a transformative moment, attracting global attention and inspiring other high-profile players to consider the league. However, his current frustration suggests that the promise of a rapidly developing, competitive league may not be materializing at the pace he anticipated, at least not for his club.
The timing of Ronaldo’s protest is significant. Al Nassr is currently just one point behind league leaders Al Hilal, intensifying the pressure to strengthen the squad for a title push. The perceived lack of investment raises questions about the club’s long-term ambitions and its ability to compete consistently at the highest level. The situation also casts a shadow over the PIF’s overall strategy for the league, raising concerns about whether a truly level playing field can be achieved when some clubs enjoy significantly greater financial resources.
The reports suggest Ronaldo attempted to intervene in Al Hilal’s pursuit of Benzema, further illustrating his concern over the growing disparity in quality between the top teams. Benzema, having reportedly been presented with a contract offer he found unsatisfactory by Al Ittihad, appears poised to join Al Hilal, a move that would undoubtedly strengthen their position at the top of the league. Ronaldo’s efforts to prevent this transfer underscore his belief that Al Nassr needs to be equally empowered to challenge for the title.
While Al Nassr secured a narrow victory over Al Riyadh with a goal from former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, the result is overshadowed by the ongoing drama surrounding Ronaldo’s absence. The incident serves as a stark reminder that attracting star players is only one piece of the puzzle; sustained investment and a commitment to competitive balance are crucial for the long-term success of the Saudi Pro League.
The situation remains fluid. It is unclear how long Ronaldo will continue his protest or what specific actions the PIF or Al Nassr will take to address his concerns. However, one thing is certain: Ronaldo’s discontent has brought the issue of financial disparity within the Saudi Pro League into sharp focus, and a resolution will be critical to maintaining the league’s credibility and attracting future investment.
Further reports indicate that Al Nassr is awaiting Ronaldo’s return to the squad, with his availability for future matches contingent on addressing his concerns regarding transfer activity. The club has yet to release an official statement regarding the situation, but sources suggest internal discussions are underway to find a path forward. The upcoming fixture against Al Hilal will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it will provide a clear indication of whether Ronaldo’s protest has yielded any positive results.
