Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of the Al Nassr squad for a second straight match, deepening speculation about his growing frustration with the Saudi Pro League and his club’s lack of transfer activity.
The Portugal captain did not feature in Friday night’s clash against Al Ittihad, having also missed Monday’s win over Al Riyadh. His continued absence has raised serious questions about his relationship with both Al Nassr and the league’s hierarchy.
Why Is Cristiano Ronaldo Missing Games?
Ronaldo is believed to be unhappy with Al Nassr’s failure to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window. The situation has been made worse by the fact that Al Hilal, also 75% owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate.
That contrast has reportedly angered Ronaldo, who feels his club was not backed sufficiently in the title race.
Saudi Pro League Responds: “No Individual Is Bigger Than the League”
The Saudi Pro League has already issued a firm warning to Ronaldo, making it clear that no player dictates league-wide decisions.
A league spokesperson said:
“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.”
The statement stressed that each club controls its own recruitment, spending, and strategy, all within a framework designed to ensure financial sustainability and competitive balance.
“Cristiano Wants to Win – But Decisions Go Beyond One Player”
While acknowledging Ronaldo’s importance to Al Nassr, the league emphasized that his influence has limits.
“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition,” the spokesperson added.
“Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club.”
The Pro League also pointed to the tight title race, noting that only a few points separate the top four teams — evidence, they say, that the system is working as intended.
