Saudi Pro League sends strong message to Ronaldo as tensions rise

The Saudi Pro League has issued a formal statement addressing the escalating tensions surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing that individual players, regardless of their stature, cannot influence decisions made by competing clubs within the league.

In a statement provided to BBC Sport, a league spokesperson asserted:

The situation has intensified following Ronaldo's exclusion from Al Nassr's squad for Monday's match against Al Riyadh. The Portuguese forward reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how the club was being managed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The core issue stems from transfer strategy disparities across the league. While Al Nassr invested heavily in the summer, bringing in manager Jorge Jesus, a proven winner who previously led Al Hilal to the title, alongside other significant signings, the club has adopted a cautious approach in the January window. This reluctance to strengthen has left Ronaldo frustrated.

Karim Benzema's high profile move to league leaders Al Hilal and his immediate impact with a hat trick on debut only amplifies Ronaldo's disappointment. However, his decision to go on strike may not be the most constructive response to the situation.

The reality is complex. The promises made to Ronaldo when he initially joined Al Nassr, and those renewed when he extended his contract in the summer, remain unclear to the public. Without knowing what was contractually guaranteed regarding investment and squad reinforcement, it is difficult to assess whether the club has breached its commitments or if circumstances have simply changed.

The tension shows no signs of easing. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo will not feature in Al Nassr's upcoming Friday clash against Al Ittihad, further deepening concerns about the forward's future at the club. Meanwhile, Ronaldo's social media activity, where he has been posting training photos on his X account made fans believe that he might be ready for action soon.

The league's message is clear: no player, regardless of stature, is bigger than the competition itself. While the frustration may be understandable, Ronaldo's approach of excluding himself from matches sends a problematic message about player power within Saudi football's structure.

The 41 year old Portugal international, who joined Al Nassr in 2022 and renewed his contract in June 2025, has won only the Arab Club Champions Cup during his tenure, which is considered as a Friendly competition. His quest for a major trophy in Saudi is ongoing

With Ronaldo now absent from squad selections and his relationship with club management seemingly fractured, urgent resolution appears necessary to prevent further deterioration. It does not reflect well on either the player or the league's image.