Saudi Pro League Warns Ronaldo Amid Al-Nassr Future Uncertainty
The Saudi Pro League has issued a firm response amid growing uncertainty surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr, stressing that no single player has authority over league-wide decisions beyond their own club.
The warning comes after the 41-year-old Portugal captain was left out of Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league fixture against Al-Riyadh, fuelling speculation about internal tensions. Reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola claimed Ronaldo refused to play, citing frustration with how the club is being managed under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Sources told BBC Sport that Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction was largely triggered by Karim Benzema’s high-profile switch from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal earlier this week. The former Real Madrid striker made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in a 6–0 victory over Al-Okhdood.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are among the clubs backed by the PIF, which has also invested heavily in Newcastle United. However, the Saudi Pro League insists each club operates independently.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a league spokesperson explained that recruitment, spending and strategic decisions are made solely by individual clubs within an approved financial framework designed to maintain balance and sustainability.
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s influence since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, the league emphasised that even players of his stature do not dictate decisions outside their club.
“Cristiano has been fully committed to Al-Nassr and has played a key role in its ambition,” the spokesperson said. “Like all elite competitors, he wants success — but no individual determines decisions beyond their own team.”
Ronaldo later posted images of himself back in training, though officials remain uncertain whether he will feature in Friday’s clash against Al-Ittihad.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, who earns a reported £177 million annually, signed a new two-year deal in June 2025 after earlier speculation linked him with a possible move to Al-Hilal. Despite his star power, Ronaldo has so far lifted only the Arab Club Champions Cup with Al-Nassr.
Al-Hilal currently top the league with 50 points from 20 matches, while Al-Nassr sit third, four points adrift but with a game in hand.
