According to ESPN, Ronaldo will maintain his stance and not play in Al Nassr's next match against Al Ittihad in the 20th round of the Saudi Pro League on 6/2. The Portuguese forward was absent from the 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh earlier this week.

Cristiano Ronaldo taunts an opponent during an Al Nassr match. *Photo: AFP*

Ronaldo protests PIF's perceived inadequate investment in Al Nassr, which he believes creates an advantage for direct competitor Al Hilal. The 40-year-old star also expressed dissatisfaction with PIF's failure to provide specific assurances about restoring autonomy to Al Nassr's leadership. Without changes in the coming weeks, he might request to leave the club during the summer 2026 transfer window, despite having renewed his contract a few months ago.

Ronaldo is reportedly particularly angered by Karim Benzema's transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal. He believes this move creates an imbalance in the championship race and reveals PIF's intention to "clear the path" for Al Hilal to win the title. ESPN even reports that Ronaldo attempted to block the transfer.

Although Ronaldo returned to training with the team and posted images of himself in Al Nassr training gear on social media, he was notably absent from training photos published by the club on X on 4/2. This further fueled speculation about the strained relationship between him and the club.

Al Nassr's internal affairs have also seen significant upheaval recently. Sporting Director Simao Coutinho and Chief Executive Officer Jose Semedo—both Portuguese and close associates of Ronaldo—were suspended by PIF. This move has hindered coach Jorge Jesus's plans to strengthen the squad and led to a substantial cut in the club's spending budget.

Meanwhile, Al Hilal has received substantial financial backing from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, a billionaire and patron of the club. ESPN reports that all of Al Hilal's winter transfer signings, including Benzema, were financed by the prince, who holds a 25% stake in the team, with PIF owning the remainder.

Cristiano Ronaldo posts training photos on social media on 4/2.

Having joined Al Nassr in 2022, Ronaldo has yet to win any major titles. Despite receiving offers from Europe and the United States, he is not eager to leave immediately, concerned about impacting his preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo extended his contract with Al Nassr until 6/2027, which includes a release clause valued at 50 million euro (nearly 60 million USD).

The Saudi Pro League reportedly does not want to lose the league's biggest star. PIF has reportedly promised significant investment this summer, with Bruno Fernandes—Ronaldo's teammate on the Portuguese national team—among the potential targets.

Conversely, Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada stated he did not understand the frustration of Ronaldo and Al Nassr. Speaking to Cadena Ser, Calzada stressed that Al Hilal is focused solely on its own objectives, adding that Al Nassr had a decent transfer window.

Benzema's recruitment occurred as Al Hilal leads the Saudi Pro League by one point over Al Nassr. Calzada affirmed that the arrival of the 2023 Ballon d'Or winner not only brings professional value but also generates positive commercial and media effects for the club.

By Hong Duy (via ESPN)