Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo snubs Al-Nassr match amid financial dispute
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly refused to play ahead of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against rivals Al-Riyadh on Monday.
The 40-year-old star, who earns £488,000 every day, is said to be unhappy with how Al-Nassr’s finances are managed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Portuguese news outlet A Bola reported that a source revealed Ronaldo feels frustrated by the PIF’s handling of Al-Nassr compared to other Saudi clubs.
The fund owns 75% of four Saudi Pro League teams—Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli—and has played a major role in attracting top international players to the league.
Since Ronaldo’s 2023 move to Riyadh, stars like Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Riyad Mahrez joined other Saudi clubs on lucrative deals. Ronaldo believes Al-Nassr has not received the same support in the transfer market.
During the January window, Al-Nassr signed only 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, while Al-Hilal added Spanish centre-back Pablo Mari for £1.7m, Rennes forward Kader Meite for £26m, and are finalizing another £26m deal for Neom star Saimon Bouabre.
Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has criticized the financial disparity, saying the club “does not have the political power of Al-Hilal.” His comments led Al-Hilal to seek a suspension of six months to a year for Jesus.
In December, Ronaldo hinted at a return to Europe, reiterating his goal of reaching 1,000 career goals.
Speaking in Dubai, he said, “My passion is high and I want to continue. It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe.”
“I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. I will reach the number (1000 goals) for sure, if no injuries.”
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