[My Daily = Reporter Kim Jong-kook] Cristiano Ronaldo is set to end his playing boycott at Al Nassr.
Ronaldo sat out Al Nassr’s matches against Al Riyadh on January 3 and Al Ittihad on January 7, during rounds 20 and 21 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese star had refused to play, expressing frustration over Al Nassr receiving less financial backing from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund compared to rivals like Al Hilal.
Portuguese media outlets, including Sapo, report that Ronaldo has been discontented with the Saudi fund’s management of Al Nassr for the past three years. They claim Al Nassr hasn’t received adequate support to strengthen its squad. Ronaldo’s long-standing grievances with the fund culminated in his refusal to play, stemming from conflicts that began early this season. His dissatisfaction peaked after the fund sold Al Hilal to Saudi billionaire Prince Al Saud. While Al Nassr is also up for sale, it hasn’t found a suitable buyer, resulting in a halt to its financial support. Al Hilal’s recent aggressive player acquisitions, aimed at clinching the league title, have further infuriated Ronaldo.
On February 8, DAZN Portugal reported that Al Nassr’s coach Jesus and player João Félix addressed Ronaldo’s absence. They clarified that his non-appearance in the Al Ittihad match was unrelated to Karim Benzema’s recent transfer to Al Hilal or recent statements from a Saudi league spokesperson.
Ronaldo’s camp explained his refusal to play for Al Nassr: While Al Hilal invested 92 million EUR (about 98.44 million USD) in January transfers, Al Nassr spent only 300,000 EUR (about 321,000 USD). Moreover, Al Nassr has numerous unpaid salaries, including those of youth team coaches, physiotherapists, and equipment managers. They added that coach Jesus fully backs Ronaldo, and key players like Sadio Mané, Marcelo Brozović, Kingsley Coman, and João Félix understand the club’s predicament. The Saudi league’s statements about Ronaldo have only stoked his anger. They pointed out that one Saudi Public Investment Fund leader effectively controls four clubs, making it impossible for the league to justify the unequal treatment among teams. Notably, they suggested Ronaldo’s time in Saudi Arabia might be nearing its end, as he wishes to leave.
On February 9, local media, including Al-Iyaadiyah, reported that Ronaldo’s playing strike has concluded. Al Nassr’s management has assured Ronaldo that internal issues will be resolved soon, as part of mending their relationship. They noted that Al Nassr’s chairman, Al Majed, recently criticized CEO Semedo and coach Jesus, causing unrest. Ronaldo expressed dissatisfaction after the board stripped Semedo of his powers via email. Al Nassr has since reinstated the authority of CEO Semedo and director Coutinho. The club has also paid overdue salaries to some staff and received funds to cover operational costs.
On February 6, Portuguese outlet Record and other local media reported the Saudi Pro League’s official stance on Ronaldo. A league spokesperson stated that the Saudi Pro League operates on the principle that all clubs function independently under the same rules. Each club has its own board and executives, making decisions on player acquisitions, spending, and strategies within their financial framework to ensure fair competition. They acknowledged Ronaldo’s dedication to Al Nassr since joining, highlighting his crucial role in the club’s growth and achievements. While emphasizing that no player, regardless of stature, can influence decisions beyond the club’s scope, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which effectively owns Al Nassr, ultimately sided with Ronaldo.
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