Ronaldo Misses Second Straight Game for Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 91 goals in 95 Saudi Pro League appearances for Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from the Al-Nassr squad for the second consecutive match amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his future at the Saudi Arabian club.
Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad on Friday in the Saudi Pro League, with late goals from former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel.
During the match, a section of home supporters showed their backing for Ronaldo by holding up yellow signs displaying his name and the number seven in the seventh minute.
The 41-year-old also missed Al-Nassr's 1-0 league win against Al-Riyadh on Monday.
Reports of Discontent and Club Statement
Portuguese media outlet A Bola reported externally that Ronaldo declined to participate in the matches, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the management of the club by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The Saudi Pro League conveyed to that Ronaldo has played a significant role in the club's development and ambitions but emphasized that
"no individual - however significant - determines decisions beyond their own club".
Ronaldo's Arrival and Contract Details
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after departing Manchester United in December 2022, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history with an annual salary of £177 million.
The club, which has won 10 Saudi Pro League titles, described the signing as "history in the making." However, since his arrival, Ronaldo has only secured the Arab Club Champions Cup in 2023.
The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient signed a new two-year contract extending to June 2025.
Club Ownership and League Context
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal—the most successful club in Saudi Arabia with 19 league titles—are owned by the PIF, which also has stakes in Newcastle United.
Factors Behind Ronaldo's Frustration
Sources told that the recent transfer of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema to league leaders Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad earlier this week was a primary factor contributing to Ronaldo's dissatisfaction at Al-Nassr.
French striker Benzema, aged 38, scored a hat-trick on his debut for Al-Hilal in a 6-0 victory over Al-Okhdood on Thursday.
Currently, Al-Nassr sits second in the league standings, one point behind Al-Hilal, with both teams having played 20 matches this season.
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