Football fans around the world are watching in disbelief as Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese striker, has decided to boycott matches for Al-Nassr. Yes, you read that right — the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is staging a one-man protest in the heart of Saudi football.
What’s Behind the Boycott?
Here’s the thing: Ronaldo didn’t show up for Al-Nassr’s match against Al Riyad last Monday. The team lost 1-0, and their biggest star wasn’t injured or ill — he simply chose not to play.
The trigger? Karim Benzema’s transfer to Al-Hilal during the January window. The French striker, Ronaldo’s former teammate at Real Madrid, joining the arch-rival has clearly struck a nerve.
The Real Issue: Unequal Treatment?
According to Portuguese media outlet A Bola, Ronaldo believes the Saudi Public Investment Fund — which owns the “big four” Saudi clubs — treats Al-Hilal preferentially. More investment, more marquee signings, more attention.
“Al-Nassr isn’t getting the same level of support,” sources close to the player reportedly said. For someone who’s won everything there is to win in football, competing with one hand tied behind his back isn’t exactly appealing.
Back to Training, But Missing the Big Game?
In a twist, Ronaldo returned to training on Wednesday and posted a photo on social media, seemingly to quash rumors about leaving Saudi Arabia. But here’s the catch — reports suggest he’ll skip Friday’s crucial clash against Al-Ittihad.
Is this another message to the management? Or is there a behind-the-scenes negotiation happening?
The League Steps In
The Saudi Pro League isn’t staying silent. Sources indicate that officials have warned Ronaldo not to “overdo it” with his protest, especially as the title race heats up. The timing — right around his 41st birthday — hasn’t helped the optics.
What This Means for Saudi Football
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project is facing its first major star-power crisis. Bringing in names like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar attracted global attention, but it also brought supersized egos and expectations.
The question now: How will Al-Nassr’s management navigate this storm? And will Ronaldo stick around until his contract expires in summer 2026, or is an early exit on the cards?
One thing’s for certain — this chapter in Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian adventure won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
