By Our Reporter
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al Nassr’s matchday squad for Monday’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh, a move that has intensified speculation about unrest between the Portuguese star and the club’s hierarchy.
Sky Sports reports that Ronaldo’s absence was not due to injury, fitness concerns, or squad rotation. Instead, the 40-year-old forward is said to be unhappy with the way Al Nassr is being run under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Al Nassr is one of four Saudi Pro League clubs owned by the PIF, alongside Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad. Ronaldo reportedly believes those clubs—particularly Al Hilal—are receiving preferential treatment, especially in the transfer market.
Al Hilal have been active in the current transfer window, signing former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí and pursuing other high-profile targets. Ronaldo is said to feel that Al Nassr have failed to adequately strengthen their squad, despite his consistent goal-scoring contributions since arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Although Ronaldo has scored regularly for Al Nassr, the club has not won the league title during his time there. He is understood to have expected significant reinforcements in this window to boost their title chances, expectations he feels have not been met.
As a result, Sky Sports suggests the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has effectively withdrawn his services in protest, raising fresh questions about his future at the club.
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