This USD 213 million debt primarily arose from inefficient financial decisions made last season, according to Al-Riyadiah newspaper.

Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates lift the Saudi Pro League championship cup after defeating Damac at Al-Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 21/5. *Reuters*

The crisis led the Saudi Pro League to place Al Nassr under strict scrutiny. To prevent further debt escalation, the PIF implemented urgent measures, notably restricting the current management's decision-making authority.

Al Nassr reportedly cannot sign new players until it demonstrates sufficient funds from sponsorship deals or other team revenues.

According to Al-Riyadiah, the PIF's restructuring plan is based on three main components: First, limiting the financial decision-making power of the current management. Second, the fund is hiring independent financial, business, and legal consultants to identify solutions for increasing commercial revenue, reducing expenditures, and developing a roadmap for restoring financial sustainability.

The third component relates to the ownership structure. The PIF is reportedly considering two serious offers to acquire Al Nassr, with the preferred option being the sale of a portion of the club's shares.

Sources indicate that the goal of these measures is to "protect the club's financial value, brand image, and fan base, prevent further debt accumulation, and enhance compliance with governance regulations."

These regulations apply domestically and are also subject to oversight by FIFA and international football organizations for clubs owned by the PIF.

To ensure fairness among teams under the same ownership, the Saudi national investment fund must allocate financial support equitably and avoid direct interference in professional decisions.

Ronaldo extended his contract with Al Nassr in 2025. *Al Nassr*

The financial crisis also casts doubt on Ronaldo's future. The Portuguese forward elevated the Saudi Pro League's global image and significantly boosted Al Nassr's commercial value since joining the team in late 2022.

However, Ronaldo's salary and benefits package made the project surrounding the 41-year-old superstar the most expensive investment in the club's history. In 2025, CR7 signed a two-year contract worth USD 676 million with Al Nassr, not including other material benefits.

With Al Nassr reportedly burdened by over USD 213 million in debt and unable to make new transfers, the management must weigh maintaining Ronaldo's high-cost contract against allocating resources to rebuild the squad and improve its financial standing. While Ronaldo maintains impressive goal-scoring performance and generates substantial commercial revenue, his future likely hinges on Al Nassr overcoming its current financial crisis, not just sporting factors.

Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Riyadh, Al Nassr currently competes in the Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia's top-tier national championship. The club is one of three teams never relegated since the league's inception. Al Nassr has won 11 national championships, most recently in the 2025-2026 season. The team garnered global fan attention after signing Ronaldo in late 2022, initiating a wave of European stars moving to Saudi Arabia.

By Hong Duy (according to Goal)