Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Saudi Arabia’s top club, Al-Nassr, has become increasingly uncertain as the Portuguese superstar has missed consecutive matches. Despite his absence, Al-Nassr maintained their winning momentum in the Saudi Pro League, securing a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad on Friday, 6 February.
The match saw former Liverpool striker Sadio Mané and Brazilian forward Ângelo Gabriel score crucial late goals, ensuring the three points for Al-Nassr. Ronaldo had also been absent in Monday’s 1-0 triumph against Al-Riyadh. During that fixture, supporters displayed yellow placards bearing Ronaldo’s name and his iconic number 7 jersey, signalling growing concern among fans over the internal dynamics of the club.
Portuguese media outlet A Bola reports that Ronaldo is dissatisfied with the way the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) manages the club and has, according to sources, refused to play in protest. However, the Saudi Pro League clarified to BBC Sport that while Ronaldo’s contributions are vital, no individual—even a global superstar—can dictate club decisions from the outside.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, signing a historic deal worth approximately £177 million annually, making him the highest-paid footballer in history. At the time, the club described his contract as “part of footballing history.”
Since arriving, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has claimed only one major title in Saudi Arabia—the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. In June 2025, he renewed his contract with Al-Nassr for another two years. One of his apparent frustrations stems from his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema leaving Al-Ittihad for rivals Al-Hilal, scoring a hat-trick in his debut week—a development that reportedly irked Ronaldo.
After 20 league matches, Al-Nassr sits second in the table, trailing league leaders Al-Hilal, another club under the PIF’s umbrella. The shared ownership adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing saga surrounding Ronaldo’s role and satisfaction at the club.
The table below summarises Al-Nassr’s recent results and Ronaldo’s participation:
| Match Date | Opponent | Result | Goalscorers | Ronaldo Presence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb 2026 | Al-Riyadh | 1-0 | – | Absent | Fans displayed placards in support |
| 6 Feb 2026 | Al-Ittihad | 2-0 | Sadio Mané, Ângelo Gabriel | Absent | Victory secured without Ronaldo |
| Total League Matches | – | 20 | – | – | Al-Nassr 2nd, Al-Hilal leading |
Ronaldo’s current situation has sparked fresh debate in the footballing world, raising questions about his commitment, influence, and potential next steps. With the Saudi Pro League season intensifying, the global football community will be watching closely to see whether Ronaldo resumes his starring role or opts for a new chapter elsewhere.