Ronaldo's Uncertain Future: A Deep Dive into Al-Nassr's Saga

What is Going On with Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia?

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr has been plunged into doubt after he was not included in their squad for Monday's Saudi Pro League game against Al-Riyadh.

According to A Bola, the Portuguese star, now 40, allegedly refused to play, expressing dissatisfaction with the management style under Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Both Al-Nassr and their fierce rivals Al-Hilal are under the PIF's control, which adds layers to the ongoing tensions within these clubs. Ronaldo's stint with Al-Nassr began in 2022, following his mid-season exit from Manchester United, leading him to become the highest-paid player in football history with a staggering £177 million salary. However, all he has to show for it is the Arab Club Champions Cup.

In June 2025, Ronaldo signed a new two-year contract, but this has not halted the speculation about his potential departure, including rumors of a loan move to Al-Hilal, particularly as they pursued Karim Benzema.

"He's just competitive and doesn't like other clubs getting stronger," noted a source familiar with Ronaldo's situation at Al-Nassr.

As the drama unfolds in Riyadh, many wonder what has gone awry for Ronaldo. Has his ambition for trophies driven a wedge between him and the club?

How has Ronaldo Fared in Saudi?

In his time at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo has undeniably made his mark, scoring 14 goals in the 2022-23 season after joining midway, and becoming the league's top scorer with 35 and 25 goals in two subsequent seasons. In December, at the Globe Soccer Awards, he proclaimed his goals: "I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals]." Currently, he stands at 961 career goals, a target he seems determined to surpass.

However, success in terms of silverware has been elusive. Al-Nassr finished as league runners-up in his first two campaigns and only placed third last season, trailing a massive 13 points behind champions Al-Ittihad. They've faced significant defeats too, notably in the King's Cup final against Al-Hilal last season.

Meanwhile, his former teammates Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves celebrated league triumphs with their respective teams in Saudi Arabia, heightening Ronaldo's frustrations about his club's trophy cabinet.

Are Al-Nassr Trailing in Investment?

With Al-Nassr situated among the 'big four' of Saudi football alongside Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, the disparity in investment is severe. The PIF has injected approximately £700 million into Saudi clubs since their takeover in 2023, leading to high-profile signings like Neymar at Al-Hilal for £77.6 million.

This starkly contrasts with Al-Nassr's quieter approach. While they recruited talents such as Alex Telles and Sadio Mane, their lack of significant trophies raises concerns about their direction. Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have maintained a competitive edge with their investments while Al-Nassr seems to be lagging behind.

Even newly promoted clubs like Neom SC have outspent Al-Nassr, intensifying scrutiny on their strategy amid stricter regulations aimed at financial sustainability.

Is Saudi Investment in Sport on the Way Down?

Beyond club football, the PIF's influence extends to various sporting domains, featuring Newcastle in the Premier League and the LIV Golf series. Saudi Arabia has emerged as a central hub for global sports, preparing to host monumental events like the 2034 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

Nonetheless, there are ominous signs that the era of unrestrained financial muscle might be nearing a close. Recent postponements of significant sports projects, alongside a scaling back on lavish expenditures in the Saudi Pro League, suggest a shift towards a more sustainable approach.

Don't Get in Ronaldo's Way - Analysis

As fans know too well, once Cristiano Ronaldo sets his sights on a course, he tends to leave no stone unturned. His striking honesty in previous circumstances—like his dramatic exit from Manchester United—highlights his unwavering desire for excellence. It's interesting to observe how this competitive drive manifests today, given the financial stakes and the scrutiny he's under as he navigates the intricacies of club dynamics.

So, as the dust settles around Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr, one thing is clear: his legacy—defined by trophies, goals, and unyielding ambition—hangs in the balance.