Despite not being injured, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a notable absentee from Al-Nassr’s lineup, a situation that continues to draw attention and raise questions about his future with the Saudi Pro League club. For a second consecutive match, the Portuguese superstar has been left out of the squad, this time for their clash against Al-Ittihad on Friday, February 6th. Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory in his absence, with goals from Sadio Mané and Angelo, but the underlying issue remains unresolved.
The core of the dispute appears to stem from Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with the investment strategy of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the owner of Al-Nassr, as well as Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal. Reports suggest Ronaldo feels Al-Nassr has been overlooked in favor of other clubs, particularly Al-Hilal, who recently secured the signing of Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, from Al-Ittihad. This move, according to sources, particularly aggrieved Ronaldo, who reportedly even attempted to block the transfer.
Benzema made an immediate impact for Al-Hilal, scoring a hat-trick in his debut against Al Akhdoud, further highlighting the investment disparity that has fueled Ronaldo’s frustration. Al-Nassr, in contrast, has made only one signing during the winter transfer window – Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem for $500,000 – a comparatively modest addition.
The Saudi Pro League has responded with a statement emphasizing the independence of its clubs. A league spokesperson stated, as reported by the BBC and PA news agency, “Cristiano has been fully committed to Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambitions,” but stressed that “no individual – no matter how important they may be – makes decisions that go beyond their own club.” The league reiterated that each club operates independently under the same rules, with decisions regarding recruitment and spending residing with the individual clubs within a defined financial framework.
Ronaldo, who turned 41 on February 5th, has still been a prolific scorer this season, netting 17 goals in 18 league matches. However, his current absence signals a deeper issue than simply on-field performance. The situation raises questions about his commitment to the Saudi Pro League and whether he believes Al-Nassr can provide the resources necessary to compete for the league title.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Portuguese newspaper Record has reported that Ronaldo’s contract with Al-Nassr includes an exit clause with a €50 million transfer fee. The report suggests that a return to Europe or a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States are potential options for the Portuguese star.
The timing of this dispute is particularly significant as Al-Hilal currently leads the Saudi Pro League standings, four points ahead of Al-Nassr, who have a game in hand. Benzema’s arrival at Al-Hilal has undoubtedly strengthened their position, and Ronaldo’s frustration appears to be directly linked to the perceived imbalance in competitive resources.
While Al-Nassr secured a win against Al-Ittihad without Ronaldo, the long-term implications of his discontent remain uncertain. The club and the league face the challenge of addressing Ronaldo’s concerns and maintaining the appeal of the Saudi Pro League as a destination for top-tier football talent. The situation underscores the complexities of managing high-profile players and the delicate balance between individual ambitions and collective club goals.
The league’s statement attempts to reinforce the principle of independent club operations, but Ronaldo’s actions suggest a belief that the PIF’s influence extends beyond that framework. Whether this is a temporary protest or a prelude to a more significant departure remains to be seen. For now, the focus remains on Al-Nassr’s pursuit of the league title and the ongoing saga surrounding one of football’s most iconic figures.
Fans at the Al-Ittihad match demonstrated their support for Ronaldo, displaying posters with his number 7, a clear indication of their desire to see him back on the pitch. However, the underlying issues regarding investment and competitive balance must be addressed to ensure Ronaldo’s continued commitment to Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League.
