RismadarVoice Reporters,February 6, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr has come under fresh scrutiny after the Saudi Pro League made it clear that no player, regardless of reputation or status, has the power to influence decisions outside their own club.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward was notably absent from Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league fixture against Al-Riyadh, sparking reports in Portugal that he had declined to play due to dissatisfaction with the club’s management.
Although Ronaldo later shared a photo of himself back in training, uncertainty remains over his involvement in Friday’s high-profile clash against Al-Ittihad.
According to a report by the BBC, Ronaldo’s frustration was reportedly heightened by Karim Benzema’s recent transfer from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal. Benzema, Ronaldo’s former teammate at Real Madrid, made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick in his debut during a 6–0 victory over Al-Okhdood.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has played a central role in driving the rapid growth and global attention of the Saudi Pro League.
However, league officials were quick to shut down suggestions that star players could influence recruitment decisions across clubs. In a statement to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said each club operates independently within the same framework.
“The Saudi Pro League is built on a simple principle: every club runs its own affairs under equal rules,” the spokesperson said. “Recruitment, spending, and long-term strategy are the responsibility of individual clubs, guided by financial structures aimed at sustainability and competitive balance.”
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s influence since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, the league stressed that no individual player dictates wider decisions.
“Cristiano has been fully committed to Al-Nassr and has contributed significantly to the club’s development. Like any top athlete, he wants success,” the spokesperson added. “But no player, no matter how important, determines outcomes beyond their own team.”
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United during the 2021–22 season, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history with a reported salary of £177 million per year. Despite his impressive goal-scoring record, his only major trophy with the club so far remains the Arab Club Champions Cup.
