The Saudi Pro League has issued a firm response amid growing speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr, stressing that no player influences decisions beyond their own club.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain was absent from Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league clash against Al-Riyadh, fuelling reports of internal dissatisfaction. Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Ronaldo declined to play, citing frustration with how the club is being run under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
BBC Sport understands that Ronaldo’s concerns were heightened by the recent transfer of former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal. Benzema, 38, made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick on his debut in Al-Hilal’s 6–0 win over Al-Okhdood on Thursday.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are among the clubs controlled by the PIF, which also backs Premier League side Newcastle United. Despite this shared ownership, league officials insist clubs operate independently.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said:
“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, executives, and football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending, and strategy sit with those clubs within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.”
The spokesperson added that Ronaldo has remained fully engaged with Al-Nassr since joining the club in 2022 and has played a key role in its growth and ambition.
“Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual—however significant—determines decisions beyond their own club. Recent transfer activity clearly demonstrates that independence.”
Ronaldo posted a photo of himself back in training on Wednesday, but uncertainty remains over his availability for Friday’s fixture against Al-Ittihad.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United in 2022, becoming the highest-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177 million. His only silverware with the club so far is the Arab Club Champions Cup. He signed a new two-year contract in June 2025, despite earlier speculation linking him with a potential loan move to Al-Hilal.
During the January transfer window, Al-Nassr’s only signing was Iraq Under-23 midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem. Al-Hilal currently top the table with 50 points from 20 games and remain unbeaten, while Al-Nassr sit third, four points behind but with a game in hand.
