Cristiano Ronaldo was withdrawn after just 56 minutes during Al-Nassr's commanding 5-0 victory away at Al-Najma on Wednesday evening, with supporters humorously suggesting the Portuguese superstar was eager to catch Real Madrid's concurrent Champions League play-off fixture. The 41-year-old forward had earlier converted a first-half penalty to notch his 965th career goal, edging him closer to his ambitious personal target of 1,000 strikes. Despite spurning several other opportunities to add to his tally, Ronaldo's contribution helped propel Al-Nassr to the summit of the Saudi Pro League standings.
Speculation Over Early Substitution
Spanish publication AS, which was monitoring the match, reported that Ronaldo appeared "upset" by his premature removal from the pitch, with photographs from the bench depicting a visibly glum expression. However, this has not deterred fans from circulating light-hearted theories on social media platform X, with one supporter claiming, "Ronaldo asked Jorge Jesus to be subbed off. He wanted to watch the Real Madrid game." It is important to note that there is no concrete evidence to support the assertion that Ronaldo requested to be substituted or that he checked his phone while seated on the sidelines.
Ronaldo's Recent Form and Commitment
The iconic Portuguese attacker has been in scintillating form since returning from a brief strike action over perceived insufficient transfer backing from the club's ownership, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). He has netted four times in his last three appearances, demonstrating his enduring quality and lethal finishing ability. Ronaldo recently reaffirmed his loyalty to Al-Nassr in a post-match interview, stating, "I'm very happy. As I say so many times, I belong to Saudi Arabia. It's a country that welcomed me, my family and my friends very well. I'm happy here. I want to continue here."
He further emphasized the team's collective ambition, adding, "Our job is to win, make pressure [on our title rivals], and let's see. We are on track. We're back, we are good, we are confident. Game by game. We are in good shape. Let's see what's going to happen." Ronaldo's commitment is underscored by his substantial remuneration, reported to be approximately £488,000 per day, yet he remains focused on achieving major silverware with Al-Nassr, a feat that has eluded him since his high-profile move to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
Background to Transfer Discontent
The striker's earlier strike action was precipitated by frustrations over what he perceived as a lack of competitive transfer investment compared to league rivals, particularly Al-Hilal. This sentiment was exacerbated when Karim Benzema secured a transfer to Al-Hilal, prompting Ronaldo to abstain from three matches. His actions raised serious questions about his future within the Saudi Pro League, despite his status as its most marketable and prominent figure. The league administration issued a stern statement warning that "no individual determines decisions beyond their own club," highlighting the tension surrounding the situation.
Financial disparities have been a point of contention, with Al-Hilal's net spend reportedly exceeding that of Al-Nassr by a staggering £180 million since the 2022-23 season, coinciding with Ronaldo's arrival. Nevertheless, Ronaldo's recent performances and public declarations suggest a renewed dedication to Al-Nassr's title aspirations, as the team continues to apply pressure at the top of the table.
