CRISTIANO Ronaldo refused to play in Al Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al-Riyahd over rumours that he is frustrated with their transfer activity.
Portuguese channel A Bola reported that the Portugal Captain was striking against the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund who own Al Nassr as he felt the PIF gave preferential treatment to other clubs in the January transfer window.
Al Nassr are one of four clubs that are owned by the PIF through the Saudi Arabian government with Ronaldo frustrated with the preferential treatment given to rival clubs such as Al Hilal.
Al Hilal, Al Alhi and Al Ittihad are all also funded by the PIF with Al Hilal’s significant activity in the market seeing them sign six players including Ballon D’or winner Karim Benzema and 18 year-old Mohamed Meite for £25m from Rennes.
However, Al Nassr signed just two players being 21 year-old Haydeer Abdulkareem and a deadine day switch for Abdullah Al-Hamdan from Al Hilal.
The 40-year-old signed for the Saudi club in 2022 after leaving Manchester United by mutual termination of his contract following a row with the Red Devils.
Ronaldo’s contract at Al Nassr saw him become the highest-paid player in history with a £177m annual salary.
In June 2025, Ronaldo then signed a further two-year deal admidst rumours that he may depart himself on loan to Al Hilal.
The Portuguese legend is expected to captain his country at the 2026 World Cup.
