Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nasr is prepared to miss his second straight league match, following a lack of clear commitments from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to improve the club’s management, as reported by ESPN. If no changes occur in the upcoming weeks, Ronaldo may seek to leave the club in June.
The Portuguese striker chose not to participate in Monday’s league victory over Al Riyadh, citing insufficient investment by the PIF in Al Nasr, which he believes gives an unfair advantage to their rivals, Al Hilal.
On Monday, Ronaldo attempted to block French star Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, arguing that such moves favored Al Hilal in their pursuit of titles.
Although he trained with the team this week, Ronaldo has communicated that his future at Al Nasr hinges on a rapid restoration of managerial control, along with assurances that interference like that seen during the last transfer window will not recur.
Al Nasr is set to play against Al Ittihad on Friday.
Recent months have seen the suspension of Al Nasr’s sporting director Simon Coutinho and CEO José Semedo, both of whom are Portuguese. This situation has frustrated Ronaldo and hindered the club’s ability to attract top talent for coach Jorge Jesus’ team.
In contrast, Al Hilal has received considerable financial backing from billionaire patron Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud to help bolster their squad.
Reports indicate that all of Al Hilal’s signings this transfer window, including Benzema, were financed by Prince Alwaleed, who owns 25% of the club, with the remaining 75% held by PIF.
Ronaldo, who has yet to claim a major title since joining Al Nasr in 2022, is reportedly very upset. He has received offers from clubs mainly in Europe and America but is hesitant to leave as it might disrupt his World Cup preparations.
The former Real Madrid player extended his contract with Al Nasr last summer until June 2027, featuring a release clause of €50 million (approximately $59 million).
The Saudi Pro League is eager to retain its most prominent ambassador.
Insights from sources mention that Al Nasr and PIF have pledged to invest substantially in Ronaldo this summer, with potential signings like his national teammate Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United being considered, among other high-profile players.
In response to these developments, Al Hilal’s CEO Esteve Calzada expressed confusion regarding Al Nasr and Ronaldo’s grievances. He emphasized that Al Hilal is focusing on its own progress, particularly after their summer signing of Joao Félix and Kingsley Coman.
Addressing Ronaldo’s frustration, Calzada stated on Cadena Cell Radio, “You should ask them.” He pointed out that Al Nasr had a fruitful summer transfer window.
There is intense rivalry and passion in Saudi football, with the excitement around Benzema’s signing being noteworthy.
Benzema’s presence is set to significantly enhance Al Hilal, which trails Al Nasr by just one point in the Saudi Pro League. Last season, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner played a key role in helping Al Ittihad secure both the Saudi Professional League title and the King’s Cup.
Calzada remarked, “We sought a striker, and this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arose—a Ballon d’Or winner with exceptional talent. His statistics speak for themselves, and he doesn’t need to adapt to our league. Everything aligned for this to happen, and we’re thrilled.”
He concluded by noting that Al Hilal is not only the most successful club in Saudi Arabia but also a powerhouse across Asia, which makes Benzema’s choice unsurprising. “We are prepared to contest for every title this season and are in a strong position to do so,” he affirmed, adding that Benzema’s influence extends beyond the pitch into commercial and media endeavors.
“While it’s a sporting contract, we have optimized our return on investment,” he highlighted.
Fan Take: This situation matters to soccer fans because it highlights the complexities of player management and club dynamics, especially in leagues with significant financial backing. Ronaldo’s potential departure or unrest could impact not only Al Nasr’s performance but also the competitive nature of the Saudi Pro League, making it essential for fans to stay engaged with these developments.
