The Saudi Pro League surged in popularity ever since Cristiano Ronaldo landed at Al Nassr. Everything has been rosy ever since. Big names have moved to Saudi Arabia and most have thrived in their new environment.
The instigator has also flourished and edging ever closer to scoring 1 000 goals. However, his enormous ego has hit the headlines recently due to his lack of satisfaction in the transfer market. He has gone on strike and has refused to play as a result.
Despite being paid £488,000 a day, making him the highest-paid footballer in history, Ronaldo is reportedly dissatisfied with the management of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The team played without their captain against their local rivals, Al-Riyadh, on Monday, where they won 1-0, despite his absence.
According to a Portuguese outlet, A Bola, a source at the club told the newspaper that Ronaldo is unhappy with the manner in which Saudi Arabia’s PIF is handling Al-Nassr’s finances; particularly in comparison to the treatment of other rival clubs.
Ronaldo is reportedly on strike on Al-Nassr’s lack of ambition in the transfer market, having grown frustrated at what he sees as a failure to strengthen the squad while domestic rivals continue to spend heavily.
His decision to go on strike comes just days after another former Ballon d’Or winner, Karim Benzema, refused to play for Al-Ittihad after receiving what was described as an 'insulting' contract offer from the Saudi giants.
Reports indicate that Ronaldo is dissatisfied with the PIF’s investment strategy. He believes that rival clubs such as Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli are receiving better treatment. Al Nassr’s struggle to bring in reinforcements has only intensified his concerns.
The repercussions of Ronaldo’s decision to sit out may extend beyond just one match. His role as the league’s most prominent player magnifies the impact of such actions. If attendance drops or other top players join in solidarity, the financial implications could be severe.
Al Nassr’s manager, Jorge Jesus, pointed out that his team lacks the political clout of Al Hilal. This statement, coupled with Ronaldo’s protest, highlights a brewing rivalry among the clubs overseen by the PIF.
Ronaldo’s concerns center around the lack of investment aimed at enhancing Al Nassr’s capabilities as they make a push for the Saudi Pro League title. The club currently sits just one point behind league leaders Al Hilal.
This strike comes despite Ronaldo’s impressive record at Al Nassr, where he has scored 117 goals in 133 appearances since joining in December 2022. However, Ronaldo is still seeking his first major trophy with the club.
Ronaldo’s decision to abstain from playing raises questions about the implications for the Saudi Pro League. As a high-profile player, his absence could deter fans and impact attendance, affecting revenue for both Al Nassr and the league overall. This situation is especially concerning for the PIF, which boasts assets worth approximately $1.15 trillion.
Jorge Jesus previously acknowledged the disparity in political clout between Al Nassr and rivals like Al Hilal, a sentiment that appears to resonate with Ronaldo. This hefty statement coming from one of the world’s most recognizable athletes could prompt strategic re-evaluations by PIF.
The next critical matchup for Al Nassr is against defending champions Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park. Ronaldo’s participation remains uncertain, and his continued protest could leave the team without their star player during this pivotal game.
Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly has a ‘secret’ release clause written into his Al Nassr contract, which could see him leave the Saudi Pro League club as early as this summer.
On Monday (2 February), reports emerged suggesting that Ronaldo had gone on strike ahead of Al Nassr’s 1-0 win against Al Riyadh, supposedly in relation to how the club is being managed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Despite him seemingly being unhappy with some aspects of the club, he signed a lucrative two-year contract extension with Al Nassr in June, which sees him earn a reported £168 million per year. The 40-year-old’s earnings are also supplemented by various brand deals - including a £15.5 million per-year contract with Nike.
However, it is still possible that Ronaldo moves on from the Saudi club if he remains unhappy with the situation. In this case, another club could trigger a reported ‘secret’ clause in his contract.
As reported by Portuguese outlet Record, the player has a €50 million (£43.1 million) release clause in his current deal.
The outlet added: "CR7 feels he deserved more respect, considering the decisive role he played in boosting Saudi Arabian football and elevating it to an unprecedented level. Furthermore, he accepted the role of ambassador for the 2034 World Cup, which will take place in Saudi Arabia, to give the competition greater visibility."
Karim Benzema has posted a statement to social media following his controversial move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, which reportedly caused Cristiano Ronaldo to go on strike at Al Nassr. Benzema signed for Al Hilal on transfer deadline day (2 February), having registered 54 goals and 17 assists for now-previous club, Al Ittihad, since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2023.
During the 2025/26 campaign, Al Hilal are the Saudi Pro League’s top spenders with an expenditure of around £166.5 million, while Al Nassr sit fourth on the list behind Al-Qadsiah and NEOM, having spent £89.8 million.
Meanwhile, Al Ittihad are fifth, having spent slightly less than Al Nassr. Of course, Ronaldo’s feelings may also have something to do with the fact that he’s yet to win the league in the Middle East, having previously won titles in England, Spain and Italy.
Despite Ronaldo’s apparent stance, Benzema will play for Al Hilal and likely boost their chances of winning the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League. After the transfer was confirmed by Al Hilal, Benzema took to social media to thank the club’s staff, fans and his now-former teammates.
Al Ittihad, This chapter comes to an end, but the respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman wrote.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day. This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colours and of everything we shared. I wish you all the best for what’s next."
"Respect. KB9.”
Since Ronaldo’s historic move to Al-Nassr in January 2023, a transfer that prompted an influx of spending on some of Europe’s biggest names including Benzema, Neymar, N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez, Al-Hilal appear to have been treated more favourably by the Public Investment Fund.
This move doesn't really surprise me. Ronaldo doesn't like what he's seeing and being treated and thus he's having yet another temper tantrum. This is the kind of attitude he exhibited while at his ill-fated second stint at Manchester United.
As such, I wouldn't be amazed if he runs back to his best friend, Piers Morgan. He'll probably do an interview where he blasts the Pro League. Ronaldo needs a reality check and realise the world doesn't revolve around him.