How many people followed the Saudi Pro League before Cristiano Ronaldo arrived? This is precisely the question posed by German and Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos. Being candid, Kroos suggests the answer is: hardly anyone. In his words, “Before Ronaldo joined, no one had even heard of this league.”
But why is Kroos suddenly speaking about the Saudi League? The answer lies in the ongoing tensions between Ronaldo and the league.
The Portuguese superstar missed Al Nassr’s last two matches. The reason: his growing frustration with the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi entity that owns Al Nassr as well as three other major clubs—Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.
Ronaldo believes PIF has prioritised rival clubs over Al Nassr in the transfer market. A recent example: the approval of Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, a move that Ronaldo reportedly found aggravating.
Following his protest, the Saudi Pro League authorities issued a firm reminder:
“The structure of the Saudi Pro League is clear. Each club operates independently under the same regulations. However, no individual—regardless of star status—can make decisions outside their own club.”
Even for a top-tier league, such a statement reportedly displeased Kroos, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid. In an interview with Portuguese media outlet O Jogo, Kroos remarked:
“The Saudi League is unusual. Before Ronaldo arrived, no one knew its name. Now they are disrespecting the man who put them on the football map. Once Cristiano leaves, this league will lose its appeal. Without him, no one will watch.”
Kroos and Ronaldo shared four remarkable years at Real Madrid. Together, they played 170 matches, contributing to 16 goals, and spent 14,009 minutes on the pitch. Their partnership yielded three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and a La Liga triumph.
| Metric | Kroos & Ronaldo at Real Madrid |
|---|---|
| Matches played together | 170 |
| Combined goals | 16 |
| Minutes shared on pitch | 14,009 |
| Champions League titles | 3 |
| La Liga titles | 1 |
Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that Ronaldo has returned to Al Nassr training, but he will not feature in tomorrow’s AFC Champions League 2 clash against Turkmenistan’s Arkadag. He is expected to return to Saudi League action on 14 February, against Al Fateh.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nassr runs until June 2027. At 41 years old, he has scored 17 goals in 18 matches this season, making him the league’s top scorer. His release clause is £4.3 million, while his reported daily earnings at Al Nassr are approximately £400,000 (€6.66 crore). Speculation is rife that Ronaldo could leave Al Nassr during the upcoming summer transfer window, with potential destinations in Europe or Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
Clearly, Ronaldo’s presence has become synonymous with the Saudi Pro League’s visibility and appeal. As Kroos succinctly put it, without him, the league risks losing both its star power and its audience.