Controversy behind Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr? Details here
What's the story
Star striker Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is uncertain after he was omitted from the squad for their latest Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh. According to the Portuguese outlet A Bola, the 40-year-old has reportedly refused to play due to his dissatisfaction with the club's management by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the country's most successful clubs, are under the control of the PIF.
Transfer rumors
Ronaldo unhappy with Benzema's Al-Hilal move?
According to a BBC report, Ronaldo's frustration at Al-Nassr has been fueled by Al-Hilal's pursuit of his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema. The French striker joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad after his contract was terminated. A source familiar with the situation at Al-Nassr said, "He's just competitive and doesn't like other clubs getting stronger." Despite signing a new two-year contract in June 2025, there were earlier speculations about a possible loan move to rivals Al-Hilal.
Contract details
No trophy despite scoring consistently
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after a mid-season exit from Manchester United, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history with an annual salary of £177 million. The veteran striker scored 14 goals in the 2022/23 Saudi Pro League season. He was also the league's top scorer in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 editions, with 35 and 25 goals, respectively. However, he has only won one trophy, the Arab Club Champions Cup, in his time at Al-Nassr.
Goal count
League runners-up finishes and King's Cup heartbreak
Ronaldo scored his 17th goal of the ongoing Saudi Pro League season against Al-Kholood on Friday, bringing his career tally to 961 goals. He has been reiterating his quest for 1,000 career goals. However, trophies have been hard to come by for Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. The club finished as the Saudi Pro League runners-up in his first two seasons and third in 2024/25. They also lost the King's Cup final to Al-Hilal on penalties in 2024.
Spending analysis
Al-Nassr lag in Saudi Arabia's big 4 clubs race
Al-Nassr is one of Saudi Arabia's 'big four' clubs that have heavily invested since PIF's takeover in 2023. However, despite Saudi clubs collectively spending about £700 million during the 2023 summer transfer window, Al-Nassr has failed to win major silverware, unlike their rivals Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal. According to the BBC, the club is also trailing behind the newly promoted Neom SC and Al-Qadsiah in terms of spending since last summer.
Breakdown
Breakdown of Ronaldo's goals
Ronaldo, one of the greatest all-time strikers, has racked up 818 goals in club football so far. He has the distinction of scoring 100-plus goals for four clubs - Manchester United (145 across two stints), Real Madrid (450), Juventus (101), and Al-Nassr (117*). Ronaldo owns a total of 143 international goals for Portugal from 226 games across all competitions, taking his total career tally to 961.