Cristiano Ronaldo Protests Transfer Inactivity by Sitting Out Match

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from the Al Nassr squad during their 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.

Sources have indicated to ESPN that Ronaldo’s absence was a form of protest against the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia due to the lack of transfer activity at Al Nassr when compared to other clubs under the fund’s ownership.

The match’s only goal was scored by former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, bringing Al Nassr within one point of the league leaders, Al Hilal.

Since joining the Riyadh-based club in 2023, Ronaldo has netted an impressive 91 goals in 95 Saudi Pro League appearances. However, he has expressed frustration over Al Nassr’s failure to bolster their squad significantly as they chase the league title.

In contrast, Al Hilal has been active in the transfer market, securing notable signings, including French forward Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad, among others.

Ronaldo’s decision to sit out the match was not due to injury or issues with manager Jorge Jesus; rather, the 40-year-old chose to make himself unavailable as a statement of discontent with the PIF’s actions.

Al Nassr’s only signing during the January transfer window has been Iraq under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, who has yet to make his debut. In a stark contrast, Al Hilal has welcomed young talents like 18-year-old forward Mohamed Meïté from Stade Rennais and former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí from Fiorentina, along with Saudi internationals.

Manager Jorge Jesus has previously voiced his hope for additional signings, stating, “We don’t have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al-Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it – I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.”

Ronaldo, who will celebrate his 41st birthday this Thursday, signed a new contract in June, ensuring his presence at Al Nassr until at least June 2027.