Cristiano Ronaldo’s Future at Al-Nassr in Question Amid League Dynamics

Cristiano Ronaldo has impressively netted 91 goals in 95 appearances for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Amid uncertainties regarding his future at Al-Nassr, the Saudi Pro League has reaffirmed that no single individual—regardless of their prominence—can dictate decisions outside their respective clubs. This statement comes after the renowned Portuguese forward, now 41, was omitted from Al-Nassr’s lineup for a recent match against Al-Riyadh.

Reports from the Portuguese publication A Bola suggest that Ronaldo declined to participate, expressing discontent with the operational management of the club by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Sources from BBC Sport indicate that Ronaldo’s frustration has been exacerbated by the recent transfer of his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, to league leaders Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad. Benzema, 38, marked his debut with a remarkable hat-trick in a 6-0 victory over Al-Okhdood.

Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the latter being the most decorated club in Saudi Arabia with 19 league titles, are managed by the PIF, which also oversees Newcastle United.

Ronaldo shared a training photo on social media on Wednesday, yet Saudi Pro League officials remain uncertain about his participation in the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad on Friday.

In a statement to BBC Sport, a spokesperson for the Saudi Pro League clarified: “The league operates on the fundamental principle that each club functions independently under a shared set of regulations. Each club has its own board, executives, and football leadership. Decisions regarding recruitment, expenditures, and strategies are made by these clubs within a financial framework that promotes sustainability and competitive balance. This framework applies uniformly across the league.”

The spokesperson further noted, “Cristiano has been actively involved with Al-Nassr since his arrival and plays a crucial role in the club’s aspirations and growth. Like any elite competitor, he is driven by a desire to win. However, it remains true that no individual, no matter how significant, can dictate decisions beyond their club.”

The recent transfer activities highlight this independence. One club has strengthened its roster in a specific manner, while another has opted for a different strategy—both decisions made within the bounds of approved financial frameworks.

Ronaldo signed with Al-Nassr in 2022 after parting ways with Manchester United mid-season, securing the title of the highest-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177 million. However, his achievements with the club to date include only the Arab Club Champions Cup.

In June, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner extended his contract for an additional two years. Prior to this renewal, there was speculation regarding a potential loan move to rivals Al-Hilal.

This season, Al-Nassr has added only Iraq Under-23 midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem during the January transfer window.

Currently, Al-Hilal remains unbeaten and leads the league with 50 points after 20 matches, while Al-Nassr trails by four points in third place, albeit with a game in hand.

The Saudi Pro League spokesperson concluded, “The competitiveness of the league is self-evident. With only a few points separating the top four teams, the title race is very much alive. This balance reflects a system functioning as intended. The emphasis remains on football—on the pitch, where it rightfully belongs—and on maintaining a credible and competitive environment for both players and fans.”