Are Cristiano Ronaldo’s Complaints About Saudi Football Justified?
Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Al Nassr has entered a turbulent phase. The Portuguese superstar has missed several matches amid growing frustration with how the Public Investment Fund (PIF) manages the club compared to other Saudi teams under its control — most notably Al Hilal.
According to sources close to the situation, Ronaldo believes Al Nassr are being treated as a secondary project, both in terms of squad investment and long-term sporting ambition. And recent events have only intensified those feelings.
The Benzema Transfer That Sparked the Revolt
Ronaldo’s frustration reportedly peaked after Karim Benzema completed a high-profile move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal. The transfer was seen as another clear statement of intent from PIF — and another reminder of the gap between the two Riyadh rivals.
While Al Hilal strengthened with an elite, proven star, Al Nassr’s winter business was limited to a single signing: a 21-year-old player from the Iraqi league. From Ronaldo’s perspective, this contrast symbolised a broader imbalance in strategy and support.
Salary Delays Add Fuel to the Fire
Another factor, though separate from the sporting debate, has been delayed salary payments at Al Nassr. While this issue is reportedly being handled internally, it has inevitably contributed to Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction. For a player who was brought to Saudi Arabia as the face of the league’s global expansion, such problems only deepen the sense of instability.
The Numbers Tell a Clear Story
Looking purely at spending, Ronaldo’s complaints are not without foundation. Since 2023, PIF has invested almost €250 million more in Al Hilal’s squad than in Al Nassr’s. That financial gap has translated directly onto the pitch.
Al Hilal have collected major trophies — league titles, domestic cups, and the Saudi Super Cup — while Al Nassr have failed to secure a single top-level trophy during the same period. For a club led by one of the most competitive players in football history, that contrast is difficult to ignore.
Is Ronaldo’s Salary the Real Issue?
It is often suggested that Al Nassr’s budget is effectively consumed by Ronaldo’s record-breaking wages. However, this argument does not fully hold up. Despite Ronaldo’s enormous salary, Al Hilal’s overall wage bill is still higher than that of Al Nassr, reflecting a deeper and more expensive squad across multiple positions.
A Conflict of Ambition
At its core, this situation is less about ego and more about ambition. Ronaldo did not come to Saudi Arabia merely to collect records and headlines — he came to compete, to win, and to lead a project built on equal footing with the league’s elite.
Whether PIF chooses to rebalance its approach or continue prioritising Al Hilal will likely determine not only Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr, but also the credibility of the Saudi Pro League’s promise of competitive parity.
For now, one thing is clear: Cristiano Ronaldo’s grievances are not just emotional reactions — they are rooted in numbers, trophies, and strategic decisions.
Published by Patrick Jane
08.02.2026