Cristiano Ronaldo has stayed away from two straight matches for Al Nassr. The decision has created fresh tension inside Saudi football and raised questions about his future at the club.
Sources say the protest links to a growing dispute with Saudi Arabia’s long term football plan under the Public Investment Fund. Ronaldo is unhappy with how transfers are being handled across clubs backed by the project.
According to ESPN, the main issue is the move of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal. Ronaldo believes the transfer is unfair. He feels it gives Al Hilal a clear advantage in the title race. He sees it as a move that makes their path to trophies easier.
Ronaldo has continued to train with the squad. However, he chose not to play as a sign of protest. He has also made it clear that he could leave the club in June if there is no change in policy. His return to matches now depends on how Al Nassr respond.
Al Hilal are the most successful club in the Saudi Pro League. They have kept adding strength to their squad. Al Nassr, on the other hand, signed only one under 23 Iraqi midfielder this season. Ronaldo fears this gap is pushing his team behind in the title fight.
The situation became more tense after changes inside Al Nassr. Sporting director Simao Coutinho and chief executive Hossein Samedo were removed from roles linked to the PIF structure. The move upset Ronaldo and also made it harder for coach Jorge Jesus to build a stronger squad. These decisions have also reduced Al Nassr’s spending power.
In contrast, Al Hilal continue to enjoy strong financial support. Saudi prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud has provided major backing. Sources say he covered the full cost of transfers in the current window, including Benzema’s move. He owns 25 percent of Al Hilal, while the remaining 75 percent belongs to the PIF project.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022. He has not won a major trophy since his arrival. He has received offers from Europe and the United States. Still, he does not want to move elsewhere while preparing for the World Cup. His contract runs until June 2027, and the league is also keen not to lose its biggest global star.
