Cristiano Ronaldo has been firmly told that no player, regardless of their stature, can dictate how a club is run, as his dispute with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr continues. The Portuguese forward has been on strike after reportedly expressing dissatisfaction with the club's management and transfer strategy.
Ronaldo was omitted from the squad for Monday's match against Al-Riyadh and is considering sitting out Friday's clash with Al-Ittihad. The 41-year-old joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United and has scored 111 goals in 127 appearances, but has yet to win the league title.
A Saudi Pro League spokesperson responded to the situation, emphasising that all clubs operate independently under the same rules. 'No individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club,' the spokesperson said. 'Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach. Those were club decisions.'
Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract in June last year, worth an estimated £178 million per year, running until June 2027. Al-Nassr currently sit third in the league, four points behind leaders Al-Hilal, having finished third last season.
