Cristiano Ronaldo is alleged to have refused to play for Al-Nassr during their 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Monday in protest of the Saudi Pro League’s transfer business
Cristiano Ronaldo added one more strike to his tally on Monday. The 961-goal icon was absent from Al-Nassr’s squad to face local rivals Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League – and it soon emerged why.
Ronaldo, 40, has reportedly been left furious by the fact that Karim Benzema, his ex-Real Madrid team-mate, has been allowed to join Al-Nassr’s title rivals. On transfer deadline day, league leaders Al-Hilal – who are one point clear of Ronaldo’s team – announced that they’d signed Benzema from reigning champions Al-Ittihad on a lucrative 18-month deal.
The free transfer was allowed to go through after Benzema’s contract in Jeddah was controversially terminated. What’s unique is that all three of those clubs are controlled by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
And that’s who Ronaldo is understood to be directing his anger towards.
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Benzema move sparks fury
With 38-year-old Benzema having entered the last six months of his contract, Al-Ittihad are said to have offered him a reduced deal. The French striker flatly rejected their proposal and was made to train alone, having felt ‘disrespected’ by his now former club.
The PIF then sanctioned Al-Hilal’s move, with sources insisting that everything has been done correctly, according to the Telegraph. Ronaldo is reported to be livid, with Al-Hilal’s odds of winning the league title increasing as a result of the deadline day drama.
Ronaldo is still chasing his first major trophy in Saudi. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has only lifted the Arab Club Champions Club since his acrimonious departure from Manchester United in December 2022.
Press conference cancelled
Following Monday’s 1-0 win away to Al-Riyadh, courtesy of a goal from Sadio Mane, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus was expected to speak to the media. His press conference, however, was cancelled.
According to Saudi publication Alyaum, Al-Nassr’s management ordered their players and staff not to speak any media outlets post-match. It was an abnormal move for a league trying to boost its global appeal.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo right to go on strike? Have your say in the comments section.
What next?
Al-Nassr’s next fixture is on Friday at home to, coincidentally, Al-Ittihad. Depending on Al-Hilal’s result at Al-Akhdoud on Thursday, having drawn their last two games, Jesus and Co. could go top of the table with a victory.
Whether Ronaldo will be involved and whether we’ll hear anything official before the game is unknown. Despite signing a contract extension until June 2027, many fans are asking the question: is this the beginning of the end for Ronaldo in Saudi?
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