Cristiano Ronaldo’s future in Saudi Arabia appears increasingly uncertain after the 40-year-old reportedly refused to play for Al-Nassr, signalling a growing rift with the club’s hierarchy and the Saudi Pro League’s power structure.
According to The Times, Ronaldo was omitted from Al-Nassr’s squad to face Al-Riyadh this week amid frustration over what he views as insufficient squad investment by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Sources indicate the Portuguese forward feels sidelined despite the commercial and global impact of his move to the league in 2022.
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Ronaldo is understood to believe Al-Nassr have not received the same level of backing as other PIF-controlled clubs, despite his role as both the league’s highest-profile figure and an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s successful 2034 World Cup bid.
That sense of imbalance has left him questioning both his standing and the club’s long-term competitiveness.
The situation has reached a point where Ronaldo is now seriously considering leaving Al-Nassr this summer, when a €50 million release clause in his contract becomes active.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at the Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr may be in doubt after the 40-year-old reportedly refused to play because of a disagreement over the management of the club
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European clubs and MLS franchises have already expressed interest to his representatives. Ronaldo’s current deal, worth an estimated £500,000 per day, runs until the end of next season.
Al-Nassr are one of four Saudi clubs controlled by PIF, alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. While Al-Nassr spent close to £100 million last summer, including major deals for João Félix and Kingsley Coman, they added just one player in January, a move that reportedly intensified Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction.
On the pitch, results have stabilised. Al-Nassr are locked in a title battle with Al-Hilal and have won five straight league games after a difficult start to January. Ronaldo has scored 17 league goals this season, one behind top scorer Ivan Toney.
However, silverware has been limited. Since Ronaldo’s arrival, Al-Nassr have won only the Arab Club Champions Cup, while league titles have gone elsewhere. In contrast, Al-Hilal continue to strengthen aggressively, underlined by their recent signing of Karim Benzema.
Saudi football’s wider strategy is also shifting. Spending on established stars has reduced sharply in favour of younger profiles, a recalibration that may no longer align with Ronaldo’s ambitions or patience.
Photo: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images
