"The Saudi league is a strange phenomenon. No one had heard of this league before Ronaldo arrived, yet now they are disrespecting the very person who helped put them on the global football map," Kroos stated on his personal podcast, Einfach mal Luppen, with his brother Felix Kroos. "If Ronaldo leaves tomorrow, this league will lose all its appeal. Without Ronaldo, no one will bother watching the Saudi Pro League anymore."

Kroos (left) and Ronaldo during their time together at Real Madrid. Photo: AFP

Kroos played for Real Madrid from 2014 to 2024, including four years (2014-2018) as a close teammate of Ronaldo at the Bernabeu. The former German midfielder's remarks are part of a growing wave of support for Ronaldo. Previously, Al Nassr fans displayed banners with the number 7 during a match against Al Ittihad to back their idol. Even teammate Angelo replicated the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's signature goal celebration, seemingly to motivate the team captain.

Karim Benzema's transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, Al Nassr's direct rival in the championship race, is believed to be the primary cause of Ronaldo's recent dissatisfaction. This led him to miss two Saudi Pro League matches with Al Nassr. The Portuguese national team captain believes Al Hilal is currently the most powerful club in Saudi Arabia and receives the most favoritism from the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF). He was also upset that his club, Al Nassr, owed salaries to many employees.

This situation fueled speculation about Ronaldo's future. His contract with Al Nassr includes a 60 million USD release clause, and the Portuguese superstar was reportedly ready to leave in summer 2026 if his concerns were not adequately addressed. Initially, the league organizers took a firm stance, reminding Ronaldo of the limits of his role.

Ronaldo complains after a collision with an opposing player during Al Nassr's 2-2 draw with host Al Riyadh in round 33 of the Saudi Pro League on 23/5. Photo: AFP

However, on 9/2, Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that Ronaldo had informed Al Nassr of his decision to return to play from 14/2. According to the source, Ronaldo wanted to speak out against injustice, but missing a third consecutive domestic league match could have resulted in a heavy penalty. Al Nassr's management also conceded to pressure from the Portuguese superstar and recently paid all outstanding salaries to its employees.

A Bola described this: "This chivalrous gesture from CR7 was a decisive factor in reaching an agreement, showing that the captain, born in 1985, fought not only for himself but also for the rights of the silent workers at the Riyadh-based club."

Ha Phuong (via Marca)