Ronaldo sits out Al-Nassr match in protest over Saudi owners

Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Al-Nassr's squad for Monday's Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh in what multiple sources describe as a protest over the Saudi Public Investment Fund's management of the club, particularly its lack of transfer activity compared to rival teams.

The 40-year-old Portuguese forward, who turns 41 on Thursday, was neither injured nor suspended. According to ESPN sources, Ronaldo made himself unavailable due to personal disappointment with PIF, effectively going on strike for the match. Despite his absence, Al-Nassr secured a 1-0 victory, with Sadio Mané scoring in the 40th minute to move the team within one point of league leaders Al-Hilal.espn+4

Transfer Window Disparity Fuels Tensions

Ronaldo's frustration centers on the imbalance in January transfer activity among PIF-owned clubs. While Al-Nassr signed only 21-year-old Iraqi center-back Haydeer Abdulkareem during the winter window, title rivals Al-Hilal added former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari, French teenager Mohamed Kader Meite from Rennes, and winger Saimon Bouabre from NEOM SC.spl+1

The situation intensified on deadline day when Al-Hilal completed a deal to sign Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad. The former Real Madrid striker, who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or, agreed to an 18-month contract after his relationship with Al-Ittihad's management deteriorated over a contract renewal dispute. According to CBS Sports, some senior Al-Nassr officials understand Ronaldo's frustration with PIF's approach.cbssports+3

Portuguese outlet A Bola first reported that Ronaldo believes PIF is "acting unfairly by allocating far more funds and signing more and better players for Al-Hilal," putting Al-Nassr at a competitive disadvantage.transfermarkt+1

Complicated Ownership Structure

PIF's ownership of four of Saudi Arabia's top clubs—Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad—has created ongoing tensions. CBS Sports has previously reported on conflicts between teams under the same ownership umbrella, which surfaced last summer when Al-Hilal attempted to secure Ronaldo's services for the Club World Cup.cbssports

Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus acknowledged the club's limited financial flexibility, stating: "We don't have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al-Nassr is not good and doesn't allow it".foxsports

Ronaldo, who signed a two-year contract extension in June 2025, has scored 17 goals in 18 league appearances this season and remains on course for his stated goal of reaching 1,000 career goals—currently standing at 961. Al-Nassr's next match is against Al-Ittihad on Friday, February 6, in what promises to be a charged encounter.sports.yahoo+2