Cristiano Ronaldo cautioned by Saudi Pro League regarding transfer demonstration
Cristiano Ronaldo has been informed by the Saudi Pro League that “no individual — no matter how prominent — influences decisions beyond their own club,” in light of a disagreement regarding transfer expenditures.
The Portuguese icon, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Thursday, is dissatisfied with Al Nassr’s inactivity during the January transfer window.
According to sources, Ronaldo intends to skip a second consecutive league match after not receiving a definitive assurance that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) will implement changes concerning the management of the Saudi Pro League club.
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Nevertheless, sources indicate that Al Nassr anticipates Ronaldo to participate in the match on Friday against Al Ittihad, following his absence from a game on Monday against Al Riyadh.
Ronaldo is frustrated with the PIF for not investing in the squad during the winter window, while rivals Al Hilal — which is also 75% majority-owned by the PIF — acquired his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
In response, the league released a statement on Thursday evening emphasizing the autonomy of each club to manage their finances as they deem appropriate.
“The Saudi Pro League is based on a straightforward principle: every club operates independently under the same regulations,” a league spokesperson stated.
“Clubs have their own boards, executives, and football leadership. Decisions regarding recruitment, expenditure, and strategy are made by those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. This framework is uniformly applied across the league.
“Cristiano has been fully involved with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played a significant role in the club’s development and aspirations. Like any top competitor, he desires to win. However, no individual — regardless of their stature — influences decisions beyond their own club.
“Recent transfer activities clearly illustrate that independence. One club enhanced its squad in a specific manner, while another opted for a different strategy. These were club decisions made within approved financial limits.
“The competitiveness of the league is evident. With only a few points separating the top four, the title race remains very much alive. This level of balance reflects a system that is functioning as intended.
“The emphasis remains on football — on the pitch, where it belongs — and on sustaining a credible, competitive environment for players and fans.”
It is understood that transfer funds do not originate from the PIF but rather from a player acquisition fund.
This fund is managed centrally by the Saudi Pro League and allocates funding to clubs annually based on their size, with the country’s top four — Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli — all believed to have received approximately the same amount prior to the opening of the summer transfer window last year.
Al Nassr made significant investments during that window — acquiring João Félix and Kingsley Coman, in addition to re-signing Ronaldo on a new contract until June 2027.
This is believed to have utilized a large portion of their player acquisition budget until they receive their next allocation of funds before the summer window of 2026 opens.
Al Hilal’s acquisition of Benzema was financed independently by a private investor, an option that Al Nassr could have pursued but chose not to.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his participation in Friday night’s match, Al Nassr shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to their star player on X on Thursday.
“The legend only grows. Your commitment, mentality, and leadership drive our dreams forward. Happy Birthday @Cristiano!” the Al Nassr post stated.
ESPN’s Bruno Andrade, Julien Laurens, and PA contributed to this report.
