Ronaldo Absent Again as Al-Nassr Win

Al-Nassr secured a composed 2–0 victory over Al-Ittihad on Friday evening, yet the result did little to quieten the question reverberating around Riyadh: where is Cristiano Ronaldo? For the second consecutive match, the Portuguese forward was absent from the squad, having also missed Monday’s narrow 1–0 win against Al-Riyadh.

Despite his absence, the atmosphere inside the stadium suggested he was anything but forgotten. From the opening whistle, chants of “Ronaldo” echoed around the stands. In the seventh minute, a section of supporters unfurled yellow placards emblazoned with his name and iconic No. 7, a vivid reminder of the stature he commands even at 41 years of age.

On the pitch, however, Al-Nassr demonstrated resilience and depth. After a tightly contested encounter, it was Sadio Mané who broke the deadlock late on, before Ângelo Gabriel sealed the result with a second goal in the closing stages. The victory keeps Al-Nassr firmly in the Saudi Pro League title race, trailing leaders Al-Hilal by just one point.

Match Summary

Ronaldo’s continued absence has inevitably fuelled speculation. Portuguese outlet A Bola has reported that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is dissatisfied with the way Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) oversees club operations. The PIF, which holds significant influence over several top Saudi clubs, has played a central role in reshaping the domestic league’s competitive landscape through high-profile signings and structural reforms.

Conversely, officials within the Saudi Pro League have sought to downplay suggestions of discord. According to reports carried by BBC Sport, league authorities maintain that while Ronaldo’s contribution to Al-Nassr’s global profile and sporting ambitions is undeniable, no individual player dictates institutional decisions.

Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022 following his departure from Manchester United, Ronaldo has been instrumental in elevating the league’s international visibility. His arrival triggered a wave of elite European talent moving to Saudi Arabia, fundamentally altering perceptions of the competition.

Yet in terms of silverware, tangible success has been limited. Ronaldo’s only major trophy with the club remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. In June 2025, he signed a two-year contract extension, signalling his commitment to the project. Nevertheless, the recent strengthening of rivals Al-Hilal — including the high-profile arrival of Karim Benzema — has intensified competition at the summit.

Ronaldo at Al-Nassr: Key Facts

Whether Ronaldo’s absence is tactical, physical, or political remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that even when not on the teamsheet, he remains the defining presence in Saudi football’s evolving narrative.