Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone on strike at Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr amid growing frustration over the club’s transfer activity.
According to a report by Portuguese outlet A Bola, the 40-year-old is refusing to play as he remains dissatisfied with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is managing Al Nassr compared to rival clubs.
Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s game with local rivals Al Riyadh on Monday, with a source at the club telling A Bola that Ronaldo is unhappy with how the PIF is handling Al Nassr’s finances, especially when compared with spending at other Saudi Pro League sides.
The PIF holds a 75 percent stake in four Saudi clubs; Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr and has driven the league’s ability to attract major global stars.
Following Ronaldo’s high profile move to Riyadh in 2023, players including Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly and Riyad Mahrez joined rival Saudi clubs on lucrative deals. While all four PIF backed teams have continued to strengthen, Ronaldo believes Al Nassr have not received equal backing.
He reportedly feels manager Jorge Jesus has been left short of reinforcements compared to Al Hilal, who were active during the January transfer window.
Al Nassr’s only signing was 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. In contrast, Al Hilal signed Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7m, spent £26m on Rennes forward Kader Meite and another £26m deal for Neom star Saimon Bouabre.
Last month, Jesus publicly criticised the imbalance, saying Al Nassr “does not have the political power of Al-Hilal”, a club he previously managed. His comments led Al Hilal to request that the Saudi Pro League suspend Jesus for between six months and one year.
In December, Ronaldo also hinted at a possible return to Europe as he continue his pursuit of 1,000 career goals.
Speaking at an awards ceremony in Dubai, he said: “My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe.
“I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. I will reach the number (1000 goals) for sure, if no injuries.”
Ronaldo scored his 961st career goal in Al Nassr’s 3-0 win over Al Kholood last Friday.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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