Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the dramatic step of refusing to play for Al-Nassr in their upcoming Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh, effectively going on strike in protest at the club's perceived lack of transfer activity and recent internal changes. The Portugal captain, who has been the marquee signing of the Saudi league since his arrival in December 2022, is reportedly deeply dissatisfied with the direction of the club under its ownership by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Ronaldo's Protest Over Transfer Inactivity
According to reports from the Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo's primary grievance centres on Al-Nassr's failure to strengthen the squad during the transfer window, especially in comparison to their domestic rivals. Notably, Al-Hilal are close to securing the signature of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, highlighting the competitive gap that Ronaldo believes is widening due to insufficient investment.
Head coach Jorge Jesus has only been able to add young midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem to his roster this season, and he recently admitted that the club's financial situation "weren't good," limiting their ability to sign foreign players. This stagnation appears to have pushed Ronaldo, who signed a contract extension until 2027 last June, to take drastic action to voice his frustrations.
Internal Power Shifts Add to Tensions
Beyond transfer matters, another significant point of contention for the 40-year-old superstar is the recent reduction in authority for key club figures. Following a board meeting last month, the powers of sporting director Simao Coutinho and chief executive officer Jose Semedo have been curtailed, creating further instability within the Al-Nassr hierarchy.
Ronaldo, who has scored over 100 goals for the club since his high-profile move from Manchester United, has yet to deliver a domestic title to Al-Nassr, with the team still chasing an elusive 10th championship. His strike action underscores the growing tensions between the player's ambitions and the club's current operational and financial constraints.
This standoff marks a rare moment of public discord for Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, where he has been the poster boy for the league's global expansion. His absence from Monday's match will be a stark symbol of his protest, raising questions about Al-Nassr's future strategy and their ability to retain top talent amidst increasing competition within the Saudi Pro League.
