Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr is once again under scrutiny, as the 41-year-old superstar reportedly disagreed with the club’s management, leading to his absence from their recent 1-0 win against Al Riyadh on Monday night. The situation has escalated to the point where Ronaldo is considering boycotting another match, this time against Al Ittihad on Friday, according to multiple reports.
The Portuguese forward, who turned 41 today, , is the highest-paid footballer in the world, earning more than £175 million ($240 million) a year from Al Nassr. However, his immense salary hasn’t translated into complete control over the club’s transfer policy, a point of contention that has now boiled over.
Sources within Al Nassr have described the situation as unpredictable, stating, “it’s totally impossible to predict” what will happen next with Ronaldo, adding “it will be day by day.” This comes despite Ronaldo signing a new two-year contract last summer, committing him to the club until at least 2027.
The core of the dispute centers around Al Nassr’s perceived lack of activity in the January transfer window. Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy that the club, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), did not strengthen the squad sufficiently to compete for the Saudi Pro League title. This frustration is heightened by the fact that rival club Al Hilal – also 75% majority-owned by the PIF – secured the signing of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema.
The Saudi Pro League has responded to the situation, issuing a statement emphasizing the independence of all clubs within the league. A league spokesperson stated, “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league.” This statement effectively asserts that “no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club.”
Despite the ongoing dispute, reports indicate that Ronaldo has continued to train normally with Al Nassr, debunking initial reports of a complete strike. However, the possibility of a continued boycott remains, and Al Nassr are reportedly expecting him to play against Al Ittihad on Friday, despite his absence from the previous match.
Ronaldo’s unhappiness extends beyond the lack of new signings. He reportedly feels the PIF is prioritizing Al Hilal, allowing them to acquire high-profile players like Benzema while Al Nassr remains relatively stagnant in the transfer market. This perceived imbalance has fueled his frustration and led to the current impasse.
While Ronaldo continues to score goals – having netted 17 this season – his influence appears to extend beyond the pitch. His reported willingness to boycott matches demonstrates a level of leverage rarely seen in football, even for a player of his stature. He also has a €50 million (£44m, $60m) release clause in his contract, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Al Nassr, along with Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad, are all majority-owned by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. This creates a unique dynamic where the PIF effectively controls the fortunes of multiple clubs, potentially leading to conflicts of interest and uneven investment strategies.
Ronaldo’s current discontent raises questions about his long-term future in Saudi Arabia. While he recently signed a two-year extension, the current turmoil suggests his stay could be shorter than anticipated. The league’s response, while upholding the principle of club independence, also underscores the challenges of managing a superstar with such significant influence and expectations.
The coming days will be crucial in determining Ronaldo’s next move. Whether he plays against Al Ittihad or continues his protest will likely signal his intentions and potentially force a resolution to the ongoing dispute. For now, the future of one of football’s greatest players remains uncertain, overshadowed by a power struggle within the Saudi Pro League.
