Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to play for Al Nassr, according to reports out of Portugal, in a development that has sent shockwaves through Saudi Arabian soccer.
Why Ronaldo has declined to play for Al Nassr against Al Riyadh
Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that the global superstar is unhappy with how the club is being run and does not intend to play Monday’s scheduled match against Al Riyadh.
The news has triggered a fresh round of controversy in the Saudi Pro League, where Ronaldo has been the league’s biggest attraction since arriving in late 2022. According to the report, the decision is tied directly to Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with Al Nassr’s management, which is overseen by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, or PIF.
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr standoff
Local Saudi media initially suggested Ronaldo would sit out Monday’s game simply to rest ahead of a crucial upcoming showdown with Al Ittihad. However, newer reports indicate the situation is far more serious, with Ronaldo refusing outright to suit up.
That distinction has changed the tone of the story dramatically, turning what looked like routine squad rotation into a full-blown standoff.
Frustration with PIF and unequal treatment
At the center of Ronaldo’s frustration is what he sees as unequal treatment by the PIF compared with other clubs, particularly Al Hilal. Al Hilal is reportedly set to become the next destination for Karim Benzema following his abrupt split from Al Ittihad, a move that would further strengthen one of Al Nassr’s main rivals.
Ronaldo is also said to be unhappy with Al Nassr’s lack of reinforcements during a decisive stretch of the season. Jorge Jesus, who has been linked with shaping the squad’s direction, reportedly requested multiple signings. So far, the only addition has been young prospect Haydeer Abdulkareem, while rival clubs continue to significantly upgrade their rosters.
Power freeze inside Al Nassr leadership
A Bola also reports internal turmoil within Al Nassr’s executive structure. The club has two Portuguese figures in key leadership roles, sporting director Simao Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo. Earlier this month, the board reportedly froze their decision-making powers, a move that has only deepened Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with the PIF’s handling of the club.
For Ronaldo, these developments appear to signal a lack of ambition and stability at a moment when Al Nassr is fighting for silverware.
A league-shaking moment
What began as a single match absence now threatens to become a turning point for the Saudi Pro League season. Ronaldo has made his move, publicly and decisively. The pressure now falls on the PIF to respond, with potential consequences that could reshape the title race and the balance of power in Saudi soccer.
Yumbcnrstu
1
Also unhappy with referee for not giving 2 penalties per game 😂.
Juniorpope
3
They promised to give him trophy, and promised him that all the goals in Al Nassr will be him scoring it all but Joa Felix and mane are scoring he got angry
MumbaRk
0
Don't say he is rested. He is benched. Everywhere he goes the ends is the same. Problems, disruption and dressing room crisis.
everywhere?
badabckty
0
and wat about city draw with spur which in delegation zone near
darkxiao
2
Time to move to mls and face messi again.
Vedcmnorsy
0
see how fools easily accepted this message when it comes to Ronaldo the Greatest football player of all time
[image]
Fools like calling others fools
Jabacnostu
3
Don't say he is rested. He is benched. Everywhere he goes the ends is the same. Problems, disruption and dressing room crisis.
adeyi10
4
I sensed the PIF deliberately 'abandoned' Al Nasr bcos of CR7 attitude of wanting to be the only headline maker. He frustrated goal scorers like Jhon Duran and Talisca out of Al Nasr bcos they were getting too much headline. If Joao Felix had not been Portuguese, I am sure he would have had problem with him for his form.
laqracka_
3
Al Nassr has lost it's credibility [Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Tuzbdeipu
1
he was rested in away match
irfanspengku
2
Ronaldo rested 🤣😂, he will play even with an injury for the 1000 goals and statpad and rumour is he is rested for al itihad game .. daylight lie 🤥
cazbimory
2
He aint bring nothing just as your girl friend brings a child that is not your your friend is laughing when he watches you
jetelmrstz
1
see how fools easily accepted this message when it comes to Ronaldo the Greatest football player of all time
LeoKDB
3
He should know that no club is going to buy him if he leaves Al Nassr
wukbcelt
3
everywhere he goes problem follows
Mitchello2
0
Easy peasy Alnasr can get 3 top players in his place who needs penalty taker in the football of today .
You hatred is making you sound foolish no offense
yeeceprtz
2
Easy peasy Alnasr can get 3 top players in his place who needs penalty taker in the football of today .
Bupdnpst
2
Saudi league as lost the credibility 😀😀😀
Elijay
3
ronaldo vs messi vs coaches vs elbowing opponents and now against the entire al nassr management, siiuu
Yupabklort
1
he became Shockwave Decepticon transformers
Kouabcorst
2
he has been playing since 2022 what has he achieved with the club?
isofadaik87
2
I rushed to read comments on this. unfortunately the anti-CR7s aren't here yet.
Zacaceptuz
2
Help him win a silverware this season because he desperately needs it. Saudi Pro League is now becoming very competitive and reinforcement is a must.
vapemnors
2
Let him stay off pls. what has he bring to the team as a whole