Ronaldo Excluded from Al-Nassr’s Squad Amid Controversy

Cristiano Ronaldo has been officially excluded from Al-Nassr’s lineup for their upcoming match against Al-Ittihad, as confirmed by the Saudi club’s announcement on Friday night. Despite the absence of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Al-Nassr maintains a strong attacking presence with players like Marcelo Brozovic, Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane, and Joao Felix set to take the field.

This marks the second consecutive match that Ronaldo has missed, as he was also absent in Al-Nassr’s earlier game against Al-Riyadh, where the team secured a victory thanks to Mane’s goal in the 40th minute.

Ronaldo appears to be feeling sidelined, suggesting that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has shown favoritism towards other clubs in the Saudi Pro League title race. The Portuguese star has yet to claim the championship since his transfer in 2023 and is reportedly frustrated by the recent decision that allowed Karim Benzema to move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, which he perceives as a lack of support for his ambitions.

In response to the situation, the Saudi Pro League released a statement emphasizing the independence of each club within the league, stating that decisions regarding recruitment and strategy are made individually, within a framework designed to promote sustainability and competitive balance. They reinforced that no single player, regardless of their stature, influences decisions beyond their own club’s operations.

The league’s competitiveness remains intact, with only a few points separating the top four teams, keeping the title race alive. The focus remains on the sport itself, aiming to maintain a credible and competitive environment for both players and fans.

The future of Ronaldo at Al-Nassr remains uncertain. Reports suggest he has threatened to leave after feeling ‘betrayed,’ yet he has been seen training in recent days despite tensions with league officials. Ronaldo, who is on a quest for 1,000 career goals, is aware that this discord may hinder his progress; his last goal was scored on January 30, marking his tally at 961.

Former Premier League midfielder Stefan Schwarz commented on Ronaldo’s recent behavior, acknowledging his professional achievements in football but questioning the rationale behind his actions. He stressed that while Ronaldo deserves respect for his contributions, every player must perform to maintain their valued status.

Meanwhile, Benzema made a stunning debut for Al-Hilal, scoring a hat-trick to secure a 6-0 victory and place them three points ahead at the top of the table. Al-Nassr, however, can level the score with a win, although they will have played one game more than their rivals.