Cristiano Ronaldo Set to Miss Al-Nassr Match, Reports Say He’s Boycotting Due to Club Discontent
In a surprising development ahead of the latest Saudi Pro League fixture, Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, is reportedly refusing to play for Al-Nassr in protest against the club’s current management and investment strategy.
What’s Happening? Ronaldo’s Reported Boycott
According to multiple sources, Ronaldo plans to sit out Al-Nassr’s upcoming match against Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League. Portuguese outlet A Bola and other international media report that the decision is not due to injury or fitness concerns — but stems from deep dissatisfaction with how Al-Nassr is being run by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Ronaldo is reportedly frustrated that:
- The club has received minimal support in the transfer market compared to rival sides.
- The PIF — which controls multiple Saudi clubs — has prioritized other teams (notably Al Hilal) with more significant investment and signings while Al-Nassr’s winter window additions have been limited.
His Role and Standing at the Club
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, signing what was widely reported as one of the most lucrative contracts in football history. Since then, he has become one of the league’s top performers, continuing to score regularly and helping raise the profile of both the club and the Saudi league globally.
Despite his contribution, the forward appears to be increasingly at odds with club leadership and the direction it has taken this season.
Transfer Window Tensions
The core of the dispute seems to revolve around transfer support and competitiveness. While rivals like Al Hilal have made multiple high-profile acquisitions, Al-Nassr’s activity in the market has been modest by comparison — a point that has frustrated Ronaldo and reportedly contributed to his decision.
This tension reflects broader challenges in the Saudi Pro League, where several elite clubs are backed by the same investors but pursued with different strategies and financial priorities.
What This Means for Al-Nassr
If Ronaldo indeed boycotts the match, it would mark one of the most dramatic standoffs between a world-class player and his club in recent memory. It also sparks questions about:
- Locker room morale
- The club’s ability to build a squad that matches Ronaldo’s ambitions
- How long the star will remain in Saudi Arabia if dissatisfaction continues
Reports even suggest that the crisis could fuel speculation about a possible departure in the future, including a return to European football — though nothing is confirmed yet.
Fan and Media Reaction
The news has sent ripples through the football world, with fans divided on the issue. Some see Ronaldo’s protest as justified given the club’s transfer inactivity and perceived lack of ambition. Others argue that a player of his stature should be focused on performance rather than off-field disputes.
One thing is clear: whether this situation resolves quickly or escalates further, it adds a new chapter to Ronaldo’s long and storied career.
Published by Patrick Jane
02.02.2026