Overview of Cristiano Ronaldo's Rebellion at Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is generating an unprecedented shockwave in the Saudi Pro League by publicly showing his displeasure with Al Nassr’s management and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The Root Cause of Ronaldo’s Refusal to Play

According to Marca, Ronaldo refused to take the field during the match between Al Nassr and Al Riyadh on the evening of February 2nd. Notably, this decision was not due to injury or fitness concerns. Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “Ronaldo's absence was unrelated to any health issues, workload, or fitness management..”

Before the match, CR7 posted a photo on his personal page showing a bright smile and a thumbs-up gesture, which only increased fans’ curiosity. However, behind this seemingly calm action lay a hidden crisis.

The source of the issue stems from Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with the management style of Al Nassr’s leadership and PIF. During the mid-season transfer window, the capital club remained almost inactive despite needing reinforcements to compete for the championship against Al Hilal. According to Gulf Times, Al Nassr had reached an agreement to sign a top European goalkeeper, but the deal was blocked at the last moment because PIF did not approve the funds.

For Ronaldo, this was an unacceptable signal. At age 40 (soon turning 41), he is still carrying the team: 18 starts this season with 17 goals. Even when Al Nassr won 3-0 against Al Kholood and reduced the gap with Al Hilal to just 3 points, fans noticed CR7’s unhappy expression, a sign that the conflict had been simmering for some time.

Two Close Associates of Ronaldo Faced Power Restrictions

Beyond transfer frustrations, Ronaldo was also upset that two of his close Portuguese associates at Al Nassr, Sporting Director Simmo Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo, had their powers limited by the board. This made CR7 feel his influence at the club was significantly diminished. For a player used to being central like Ronaldo, this was a hard-to-accept sign.

PIF Accused of Favoritism, Weakening Al Nassr

PIF – the Saudi Public Investment Fund behind the Saudi Pro League’s elevation project – is accused of “weakening” Al Nassr by showing signs of favoring Al Hilal in resource and power allocation. Many opinions suggest that Al Nassr no longer receives strong support as before, from transfer plans to strategic direction, causing instability within the club.

In this context, Ronaldo is said to have clearly felt the imbalance, as Al Nassr seemed no longer to be PIF’s top priority in the power game, raising concerns about the club’s future and true ambitions.

In the early years of the Saudi Pro League era, Ronaldo was an icon, a media magnet, and a pioneer for the influx of star players into the Middle East. However, the picture has changed. PIF continues to invest but no longer spreads funds widely; instead, focus is shared among several clubs, with Al Hilal emerging as stronger.

Although Al Nassr spent nearly £100 million last summer, they entered the January transfer window with only one young signing. For a player accustomed to conquering the highest levels like Ronaldo, this signals a lack of ambition.

On the field, Ronaldo is still performing well: 17 goals, just one behind Ivan Toney in the Golden Boot race. Al Nassr has also won their last five matches. But after more than two and a half seasons, his only major trophy with Al Nassr remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, far below the expectations for a superstar.

Benzema Deal Shakes Saudi Arabia

In the early hours of February 3rd, Al Hilal officially announced the signing of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad, a “bombshell” deal that shocked the Saudi Pro League. Benzema had only six months left on his contract with Al Ittihad but refused to renew because he considered the club’s offer “disrespectful,” even suggesting a near unpaid playing arrangement. In this situation, PIF intervened to arrange his move to Al Hilal. This decision reportedly triggered a strong reaction from Ronaldo .He believed PIF was favoring Al Hilal, creating an imbalance in the championship race.

Ronaldo Sends an “Ultimatum” to PIF and the Arab Owners’ Response

According to Record (Portugal), Ronaldo directly spoke with PIF officials about his demands. He wants to be recognized as a true figure in Saudi football, not just a media icon. CR7 is even reconsidering his role as an ambassador for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Alongside the wave of dissatisfaction, Ronaldo is reportedly seriously considering leaving Al Nassr. According to Record, CR7’s contract includes a release clause worth 50 million euros, allowing him to depart in June 2026 if he wishes to seek new challenges. Among potential destinations, MLS is seen as a notable option, opening up the possibility of reuniting with Lionel Messi in the USA, while a return to Europe has not been ruled out.

Facing criticism from Ronaldo, PIF officially responded, expressing disappointment at the Portuguese superstar’s actions. A PIF representative emphasized: “Over 400 million euros have been spent supporting Al Nassr since Cristiano arrived. Al Ahli spent much less but still won the Saudi Super Cup and AFC Champions League. Al Ittihad spent significantly less but still secured the national league and cup titles..”

PIF owns 75% of shares in four major clubs: Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. They admitted limiting spending for Al Nassr in the January transfer window to allow the club to address outstanding debts from previous years.

Is the End Near?

Ronaldo extended his contract aiming for a final World Cup with Portugal. He needs a stable environment, clear ambition, and full support. But Al Nassr and PIF may not currently fulfill all these needs.

If PIF does not change its resource allocation approach, conflicts of interest will continue. On one side is a superstar used to being the center of attention; on the other is a national project where no individual is bigger than the strategy.

Ronaldo helped launch Saudi Arabia’s era in world football. Yet, he might be the first to leave as this era enters a new chapter. If that happens, this “one-man strike” will be remembered as a milestone signaling that the Saudi Pro League has matured beyond revolving around CR7.