Cristiano Ronaldo is once again making headlines as he continues to miss key games for Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, most recently the high-stakes match against Al Ittihad on Friday. The absence of the legendary forward, who recently celebrated his 41st birthday, has raised eyebrows among fans and officials alike, especially given the financial implications surrounding Al Nassr’s competitive standing.
Despite training with his teammates earlier in the week, Ronaldo was notably absent from the matchday squad selected by head coach Jorge Jesus. This marks the second consecutive game he has missed, following his absence from the fixture against Al Riyadh earlier in the week. His ongoing protest has reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction with Al Nassr’s transfer policies, especially in comparison to their rivals, Al Hilal. Ronaldo’s concerns highlight a sense of inequity in support and financial backing between these two heavyweight clubs within the league.
Saudi authorities initially assumed that by missing the previous match, Ronaldo would emphasize his dissatisfaction and subsequently return for Friday’s critical clash. However, his decision to remain off the pitch has prompted significant frustration among league officials, who worry about the potential impact on the Saudi Pro League’s image and the broader perceptions of the Kingdom’s investment in football through the sovereign wealth fund. The SPL publicly cautioned Ronaldo ahead of the match, emphasizing the importance of his participation.
Despite the absence of their star player, Al Nassr showcased their strength by securing a 2-0 victory against Al Ittihad, with goals from Sadio Mané and Angelo Gabriel propelling them back into second place in the league, just one point shy of leaders Al Hilal. This win demonstrates the depth of Al Nassr’s squad, able to compete effectively even without Ronaldo’s presence on the field.
The disparity in treatment between Al Nassr and Al Hilal has become increasingly apparent to Ronaldo. The forward feels that Al Hilal has been favored in their acquisitions, particularly with high-profile signings like Karim Benzema, whose standout performance included a hat-trick in his debut match against Al Akhdoud. Such developments have only intensified Ronaldo’s grievances, as he perceives a lack of support and investment from his club in comparison to their rivals.
In response, the SPL maintains that their league operates on principles of fairness and equitable financial distribution among clubs under the Public Investment Fund (PIF). They argue that funding mechanisms are designed to uphold the league’s integrity and ensure long-term sustainability. Al Nassr’s management, for instance, has reportedly invested £100 million this season alone, which helps explain their inability to acquire new talent during the January transfer window.
Despite earning a staggering £500,000 per day and with 18 months remaining on his contract—which includes a potential €50 million release clause—officials cannot comprehend Ronaldo’s discontent. His continued absence from games remains a point of contention, leading to questions about both his future at the club and the broader implications of his actions on the league’s reputation and operations.
World of sports 
Leave a comment