Cristiano Ronaldo set to be absent from Al Nassr match amid reported frustrations with PIF – sources
Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate in Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh due to dissatisfaction with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) limited transfer activities at the club in comparison to other teams under the fund’s ownership, sources informed ESPN.
The Portuguese striker, who has netted 91 goals in 95 Saudi Pro League appearances since joining the Riyadh-based team in 2023, is reportedly discontented that Al Nassr has not made significant additions to strengthen their title challenge.
This situation arises as Al Hilal, Al Nassr’s primary competitor currently leading the league, is nearing a deal to acquire French forward Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo is not dealing with any injuries, nor is he unwell or out of favor with manager Jorge Jesus.
The 40-year-old has opted to sit out the match due to personal dissatisfaction with PIF, effectively choosing to go on strike for at least the upcoming match on Monday.
Al Nassr, positioned third in the Saudi Pro League standings, three points behind Al Hilal, has only secured the signing of Iraq under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem this January, who is still awaiting his debut for the team.
In contrast, Al Hilal has already acquired 18-year-old forward Mohamed Meïté from Stade Rennais and former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí from Fiorentina, along with Saudi internationals Murad Al-Hawsawi and Sultan Mandash from Al Khaleej and Al Taawoun, with Benzema anticipated to be their fifth significant signing of the transfer window.
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Jesus had previously expressed optimism regarding potential transfer activity, stating: “I spoke about the winter period.
“We don’t have any openings for foreign players, and the financial situation at Al-Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it — I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.”
Ronaldo, who will celebrate his 41st birthday on Thursday, signed a new contract as recently as June, which will keep him at Al Nassr until at least June 2027.
