Ronaldo’s Future Uncertain Amidst Discontent in Saudi Arabia

omidbasir- Cristiano Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia appears to be coming to an end, as the 41-year-old forward considers his next steps. A return to Europe, possibly with his boyhood club Sporting, has been suggested, while fans are eager to see him reunite with rival Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the MLS Cup champions.

As of now, no decision has been reached regarding Ronaldo’s future, which has also affected Al-Nassr’s head coach, Jesus. Reports suggest that he has made the renewal of his contract contingent upon Ronaldo’s continued presence at the club. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the coach will not negotiate new terms if Ronaldo departs.

The same source indicates that Jesus will refrain from discussing his contract, which expires at the end of the current season, until he gains more clarity about the Portuguese captain’s situation.

Ronaldo has missed Al-Nassr’s last two matches due to his dissatisfaction with how funds are allocated by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) across the teams they control. The transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal was reported to be the final straw for him.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had hoped for more reinforcements during the winter transfer window as Al-Nassr vies for the Saudi Pro League title, but those expectations were not met. This situation has also frustrated Jesus, who has been waiting for the completion of two signings he requested since early January, but these deals have yet to materialize.

Al-Riyadiyah reports that Jesus is unlikely to renew his contract under current circumstances, which make it difficult to fulfill his technical requirements. He took the reins at Al-Nassr ahead of the 2025-26 season and has achieved 24 wins out of 30 matches in charge.

Ronaldo is reportedly easing his stance following a period of tension and has returned to training. According to Portuguese media outlet A Bola, he is expected to be available for a match against Al-Fateh on Saturday, although he will not participate in an Asian Champions League match against Arkadag in Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

His refusal to play has garnered support from former teammate Toni Kroos, who remarked on his podcast, “The Saudi league is a strange phenomenon. No one had heard of it before Cristiano Ronaldo arrived, and now they disrespect the man who put them on the world map. If Cristiano leaves tomorrow, this league will lose all its appeal. Without Ronaldo, no one would pay attention to the Saudi league.”

Conversely, some have condemned Ronaldo’s behavior. Walid Al-Faraj, a prominent television host and respected figure in Saudi football, commented that Ronaldo needs to understand his role within the country. “This country is called Saudi Arabia, not Ronaldo’s Arabia. He confuses being an ambassador with being a manager. He’s been a disappointment. As an employee earning a millionaire’s salary—more than he ever made in Europe—he must respect the league or consider leaving.”

Al-Faraj further criticized Ronaldo’s actions, drawing comparisons to hypothetical situations in major leagues like the Premier League, where a player would not dare to refuse participation based on dissatisfaction with management decisions.

Ronaldo’s contract, which is reportedly the most lucrative in world football, earning him close to £500,000 per day, is set to run until 2027. A resolution regarding his long-term future may follow his participation with Portugal in this summer’s World Cup.