By Ghazali Ibrahim
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly refused to play for Al-Nassr, sparking widespread debate after claims emerged that the Portuguese superstar has gone on strike amid growing frustration with the club’s management and transfer strategy.
Multiple media outlets reported on Monday that Ronaldo declined to feature in Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Riyadh, with the decision said to be unrelated to injury or fitness concerns.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reported that the 40-year-old forward is unhappy with how the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) is managing Al-Nassr, particularly in comparison with rival clubs also backed by the fund.
According to the reports, Ronaldo believes Al-Nassr have not received sufficient backing in the transfer market, while rivals such as Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have been more aggressively reinforced.
This perceived imbalance has allegedly left the five-time Ballon d’Or winner frustrated about the club’s ability to compete for major honours this season.
Despite the standoff, Ronaldo has been in strong form for Al-Nassr, scoring 18 goals in all competitions this season and remaining one of the Saudi Pro League’s top scorers. His reported refusal to play has therefore raised concerns within the club and intensified speculation about his long-term future, even though he is under contract until 2027.
Neither Al-Nassr nor Ronaldo has issued an official statement addressing the reports as of Monday.
However, the development has added to ongoing scrutiny of the PIF’s role in Saudi football and the internal tensions that can arise from shared ownership across multiple top-flight clubs.
The situation remains fluid, with fans and analysts closely watching to see whether talks between the player and club officials can resolve the dispute and return Ronaldo to the pitch.
