Ronaldo to skip second Al Nassr match in protest against PIF – sources
Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to uphold his position and abstain from 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, sources have informed ESPN.
According to sources, if no assurances are provided in the upcoming weeks, Ronaldo will seek to depart in June.
The Portuguese forward declined to participate in his team’s 1-0 league victory over Al Riyadh on Monday as a form of protest, sources indicated, claiming that PIF is not sufficiently investing in Al Nassr and is instead favoring rival Al Hilal.
Sources revealed to ESPN that Ronaldo attempted to obstruct the transfer of French star Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal on Monday, believing the transfer to be unjust and suggesting that PIF aimed to facilitate Al Hilal’s title pursuit.
Ronaldo, who has trained with his squad this week, has made it clear privately that his return to play hinges on the swift restoration of Al Nassr’s management powers and, naturally, that the interference experienced during the recently concluded transfer window does not recur mid-year.
Al Nassr is set to face Al Ittihad on Friday.
In recent months, Al Nassr’s sporting director Simão Coutinho and the club’s CEO José Semedo, both from Portugal, were suspended by the PIF, a decision that displeased Ronaldo and impeded the arrival of significant reinforcements for the team managed by fellow countryman Jorge Jesus.
Additionally, there was a notable reduction in the club’s expenditures.
In contrast, Al Hilal received substantial financial support from Saudi prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, a billionaire businessman and one of the club’s benefactors, to enhance their squad.
Sources have indicated to ESPN that all of Al Hilal’s acquisitions during this transfer window, including Benzema, were financed by Prince Al Waleed, who is part of the group that owns 25% of the club, while the remaining 75% is owned by PIF.
As per sources, Ronaldo, who has yet to secure a major title since joining Al Nassr in 2022, is extremely frustrated. Although he has opportunities to leave the club now, mainly from Europe and the United States, he prefers not to as it may disrupt his preparations for the World Cup.
The former Real Madrid player extended his contract with Al Nassr last summer until June 2027 and has a €50 million ($59m) release clause.
The Saudi Pro League is keen to retain their most prominent ambassador.
Sources indicate that Al Nassr and PIF have assured Ronaldo of significant investments in the summer, with his Portuguese teammate Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United viewed as a potential addition among other high-profile names.
Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada, on the other hand, expressed confusion regarding Al Nassr and Ronaldo’s grievances.
“You should ask them,” Calzada stated to Cadena Ser radio when questioned about Ronaldo’s discontent. “We are concentrating on ourselves. Ultimately, it’s not as if they [Al Nassr] had a poor summer transfer window with João Félix [and Kingsley] Coman joining.”
“There’s a rivalry and passion in this country that I never anticipated; I thought I had seen it all. People have gone wild over the [Benzema] signing.”
Benzema’s addition is a significant advantage for Al Hilal, who currently lead Al Nassr by one point at the top of the Saudi Pro League.
The 2022 Ballon d’Or recipient played a crucial role in Al Ittihad’s triumph in the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup last season.
“We were looking to acquire a striker, and a unique opportunity arose,” Calzada remarked. “A Ballon d’Or winner, with exceptional talent—the statistics speak for themselves. Moreover, he doesn’t need to adapt to our league. Everything fell into place, it became feasible. We’re absolutely delighted.”
“I’m not surprised Benzema chose us, as ultimately Al Hilal is the most popular and powerful club not only in Saudi Arabia but also in Asia.”
“We are prepared to compete for all titles and are in a strong position to do so this season.” Calzada added that Benzema’s influence extends beyond the field.
“We are already witnessing the effects in the commercial and media content sectors,” he noted.
“Even though it’s strictly a sporting acquisition, we’ve begun working to maximize our return on investment.”
