RIYADH – A growing rift is emerging within Saudi Arabian football, with Cristiano Ronaldo publicly voicing his discontent with the direction of the Saudi Pro League and the perceived preferential treatment afforded to rival clubs. The Al-Nassr captain’s frustrations, stemming from recent transfer activity and funding disparities, have raised questions about the long-term viability of his commitment to the league.
The catalyst for Ronaldo’s latest outburst appears to be the transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. While reports indicate that Al-Hilal minority owner Prince Alwaleed bin Talal personally funded the acquisition, Ronaldo believes the move was facilitated by undue influence and a double standard within the league’s governing bodies. This sentiment underscores a broader concern about the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities among Pro League clubs.
According to sources, Ronaldo has warned officials from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Saudi Pro League that he is considering a departure from Saudi Arabia if the current situation persists. His dissatisfaction extends to Al-Nassr’s limited activity during the recent winter transfer window, where the club secured only Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem and Saudi attacker Abdullah Al-Hamdan. This stands in stark contrast to the high-profile signings made by other clubs, particularly Al-Hilal, fueling Ronaldo’s perception of a lack of support from the Ministry of Sport and the PIF.
The Portuguese star’s influence at Al-Nassr extends beyond the pitch. He was instrumental in the hiring of Simao Coutinho as sporting director and Jose Semedo as CEO, hoping to build a competitive infrastructure. However, he reportedly feels let down by the financial backing provided to these officials, hindering their ability to attract top talent. This lack of investment, in Ronaldo’s view, jeopardizes Al-Nassr’s ability to compete at the highest level and achieve its ambitions.
Ronaldo’s absence from Al-Nassr’s recent match against Al-Ittihad, following his participation in the victory over Al-Riyadh, further highlights his discontent. While officially attributed to unspecified reasons, the timing of his absence is widely interpreted as a demonstration of his frustration with the club’s current trajectory.
The situation is complicated by the PIF’s significant ownership stake in several Pro League clubs. Web search results confirm that the PIF owns 75 percent of four clubs – including Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal – with the remaining 25 percent of Al-Hilal held by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. This concentrated ownership raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the fairness of competition within the league.
Adding to the tension, recent commentary from Prince Alwaleed bin Bader, a member of the Saudi royal family, has criticized the Saudi Football Federation, alleging weakness and bias against Al-Nassr. Bader’s statements, echoed by other figures within the Saudi football community, suggest a widespread perception of unfair treatment towards Ronaldo’s club.
The controversy surrounding Al-Nassr’s points situation, as reported by social media groups dedicated to the club, further underscores the growing unrest. While details remain limited, the allegations of unfair scoring decisions and league manipulation contribute to the narrative of systemic bias.
The implications of Ronaldo’s potential departure would be significant for the Saudi Pro League. His arrival in 2023 was heralded as a watershed moment, attracting global attention and inspiring other high-profile players to join the league. Losing a player of his stature would not only diminish the league’s on-field quality but also damage its reputation and future investment prospects.
The situation also raises broader questions about the human rights record of Saudi Arabia, a topic that has drawn international scrutiny. While the country has made strides in developing its sports infrastructure and attracting global events, concerns remain regarding restrictions on political and civil liberties, as highlighted by organizations like Freedom House. The focus on sports as a means of “sportswashing” – diverting attention from human rights abuses – is likely to intensify if prominent figures like Ronaldo express dissatisfaction with the system.
As Ronaldo contemplates his future, the Saudi Pro League finds itself at a critical juncture. Addressing his concerns and ensuring a level playing field for all clubs will be crucial to maintaining the league’s momentum and fulfilling its ambitious goals. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether Ronaldo remains a key figure in the Saudi football revolution or seeks opportunities elsewhere.
