At Al Awwal Park, Al Nassr fans collectively raised yellow banners bearing Ronaldo's name and number 7 in the 7th minute. This symbolic act demonstrated support for the 41-year-old superstar, even though he was not in the squad. Spectators also chanted Ronaldo's name for a full minute.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported that Al Nassr fans were showing solidarity with Ronaldo during his ongoing dispute with the Saudi Pro League and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). A video capturing the fans' actions quickly went viral, attracting millions of views on social media platform X. "When the team plays without its leader, the stands speak for him," the newspaper observed.

Spectators at Al Awwal Park simultaneously raised the number 7 during Al Nassr's 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad in round 21 of the Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the evening of 6/2. Photo: Al Nassr.

On social media, many users expressed surprise at the Al Nassr fans' display. One user, @h7i80, commented under an Al Nassr post: "This is the first time I've seen a club support a player who abandoned them at the most important point of the season, when they were only one point behind the league leaders".

Another user, @TiquicoL, responded: "These fans admire the player, not the team".

Despite Ronaldo's absence, Al Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad. This win reduced the gap to Al Hilal, the league leaders, to just one point. Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel scored the goals, one of which was a penalty.

Ronaldo missed his second consecutive match, having also been absent from the 1-0 victory against Al Riyadh. Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Ronaldo is dissatisfied with PIF's transfer policy and how resources are allocated to Saudi Pro League clubs. He reportedly feels Al Nassr has not received adequate squad reinforcement compared to its direct rivals.

Al Nassr fans honor Ronaldo.

While Ronaldo has not publicly addressed the dispute, his consecutive absences are widely interpreted as a tactic to exert pressure. British newspaper talkSPORT reported that the 41-year-old forward even warned of a potential departure from Saudi Arabia to join another league, despite his contract with Al Nassr extending until summer 2027. Ronaldo reportedly holds no grievances with the team itself, directing his dissatisfaction solely at the Saudi Pro League and PIF.

The Saudi Pro League, however, showed no signs of compromise. It issued a statement asserting that no player, regardless of their influence, can interfere with decisions beyond their club's purview.

A Bola further suggested that, in addition to transfer concerns, Al Nassr faces internal delays in salary payments to players, coaching staff, and club employees. Ronaldo will reportedly only return to play once these issues are addressed.