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Ronaldo absent as Al-Nassr squad doubts emerge
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al-Nassr's squad for Monday's Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh, fueling speculation about his future at the club. The 40-year-old, who finished as the league's top scorer with 25 goals this season, reportedly refused to play amid growing frustration with the club's management under Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Frustration over Benzema signing and trophy drought
Sources indicate Ronaldo's dissatisfaction stems from Al-Nassr's failure to strengthen the squad effectively, particularly after rivals Al-Hilal signed his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema late Monday. Benzema joined Al-Hilal following a contract termination with Al-Ittihad, where he had been training alone after a dispute over a potential extension.
"He's just competitive and doesn't like other clubs getting stronger,"
a source familiar with Al-Nassr's situation
Despite Ronaldo's prolific form-35 goals in 2023-24 and 25 this season-Al-Nassr has struggled to secure trophies. His only silverware with the club remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. Domestically, Al-Nassr finished runners-up in his first two campaigns and third last season, 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. They also lost the 2023-24 King's Cup final to Al-Hilal on penalties.
PIF's influence and spending shifts
Al-Nassr is one of four Saudi clubs controlled by PIF, alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad. While these clubs have spent heavily since PIF's 2023 takeover-with Al-Hilal signing Neymar for £77.6 million and Al-Ahli recruiting Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino-Al-Nassr has lagged in trophy success. Recent spending cuts have further strained the club's ambitions, with Al-Nassr trailing newly promoted Neom SC and Al-Qadsiah in transfer outlay since last summer.
Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension in June 2025 but had previously been linked with a loan move to Al-Hilal. His absence from Monday's squad suggests tensions may have reached a breaking point.
Broader Saudi sports slowdown
Saudi Arabia's sports investment spree, which includes Newcastle United, LIV Golf, and sponsorships of the ATP and WTA tours, shows signs of cooling. The 2029 Asian Winter Games in Neom were postponed indefinitely due to construction delays, and the country's Vision 2030 projects face scaling back amid rising costs. The Saudi Pro League's spending has also tapered, with new regulations enforcing financial sustainability.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in 2022 on a £177 million annual salary, remains 39 goals short of his 1,000-goal target. His next move could reshape the league's landscape.
