Speculation is mounting over the future of football icon Cristiano Ronaldo following his controversial decision to refuse to play for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. The 41-year-old Portuguese superstar, who celebrates his birthday this week, has become the centre of a major sporting dispute that threatens his continued tenure in the Middle East.
Ronaldo's Refusal and the Benzema Factor
The immediate catalyst for this developing situation was Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Monday. Reports indicate his fury stems directly from former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema's surprising move to title rivals Al-Hilal.
The 38-year-old French striker had his contract terminated at Al-Ittihad before joining the league leaders, who currently sit one point ahead of Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League standings. This transfer has reportedly left Ronaldo feeling deeply aggrieved, particularly given the shared ownership structure.
Ownership Complications and Perceived Ambition
All three clubs involved—Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal—are owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Ronaldo is said to believe the decision to allow Benzema to strengthen a direct competitor undermines Al-Nassr's own title ambitions.
This sentiment appears to be compounded by what Ronaldo perceives as inadequate squad strengthening during the January transfer window. Al-Nassr's business was limited to signing Saudi international centre-forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan from Al-Hilal and Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem from Al-Zawraa SC, a far cry from the blockbuster signing he reportedly desired.
Exit Rumours and the Manchester United Question
With no guarantee of his return for Al-Nassr's crucial Friday clash against Al-Ittihad, intense speculation has emerged regarding a potential premature end to Ronaldo's Saudi adventure. Reports from The Athletic suggest his contract contains a substantial £44 million release clause, potentially opening the door for an exit.
Inevitably, this has led to rumours of a sensational third spell at Manchester United, where he could reunite with former teammate Michael Carrick, now in a coaching capacity. However, this prospect has been firmly dismissed by ex-United defender Wes Brown.
"He's not happy but would Cristiano Ronaldo come back to Manchester United for a third go? I would say no. I can't see how that could happen," Brown told BettingLounge. He suggested alternative destinations, stating, "A move to MLS? Maybe. Maybe he goes back to Portugal and plays there. I'm sure he will still have so many options."
World Cup Ambitions and a Potential Resolution
Brown highlighted Ronaldo's continued drive, noting his apparent desire to feature in the next World Cup, which necessitates maintaining peak fitness through regular play. "It's a shock to everyone to see Ronaldo on strike but I honestly think it will get resolved," Brown added, offering a note of caution against assuming an immediate departure.
A slight positive sign for Al-Nassr supporters emerged on Thursday when Ronaldo posted images of himself training with the first team. However, the club has made no official confirmation regarding his availability for the upcoming match.
On-Field Performance Amidst the Turmoil
Despite the off-field drama, Ronaldo's on-pitch contributions this season remain formidable. He has netted an impressive 17 goals in just 18 Saudi Pro League appearances, a tally only surpassed by England's Ivan Toney, who has 18. This productivity underscores his continued value as a player, even at 41, and adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer decision.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether this rift between player and club can be healed or if it signals the beginning of the end for Cristiano Ronaldo's chapter in Saudi Arabian football.
