Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr future in doubt amid Saudi Pro League spending row

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Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is under fresh scrutiny after reports claimed the Portuguese star is frustrated with what he sees as uneven financial conditions in the Saudi Pro League.

The 40-year-old forward, who is the league's global figurehead since his 2022 arrival, was absent from Al-Nassr's recent fixture with Al-Riyadh, with sources in Spain and Portugal suggesting his omission was a form of protest rather than injury-related.

Why Ronaldo is frustrated

At the centre of the issue is perceived imbalance in recruitment power among the league's state-backed "Big Four" of Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr.

All four clubs are linked to Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), but Ronaldo reportedly believes Al-Hilal have enjoyed greater flexibility this winter.

Al-Hilal have strengthened aggressively, adding young talents such as Kader Meïté and Saimon Bouabré, whilst also signing Karim Benzema, Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate.

By contrast, Al-Nassr's only notable mid-season addition has been Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem.

The Benzema factor

Benzema's situation has added fuel to the fire.

The idea of Benzema strengthening reigning champions Al-Hilal - direct rivals to Ronaldo's title ambitions - is believed to have been a tipping point.

Ronaldo has yet to win a Saudi league title, and this season had looked like his best opportunity.

Big money, bigger questions

Since Ronaldo's arrival:

Club	Reported Transfer Spend
Al-Hilal	€647m
Al-Nassr	€410m
Al-Ittihad	€365m

These figures exclude wages - a major factor given Ronaldo is reportedly among the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Whilst Saudi officials have reportedly explained that some of Al-Hilal's funding comes from private investment rather than directly from PIF, the optics of unequal strengthening during a title race have clearly unsettled Ronaldo's camp.

Strike claims and dressing-room politics

Portuguese media have even floated the word strike - a serious accusation given Ronaldo's stature as the league's marquee attraction.

The controversy also reignites a broader debate inside Saudi football:

Who truly holds power - the league, the clubs, the state funders, or the global superstars?

Former Saudi icon Sami Al-Jaber recently warned that foreign megastars are gaining influence beyond the pitch, shaping narratives and decisions through global media pressure.

What happens next?

Ronaldo recently extended his contract until 2027, but reports now suggest a summer exit is no longer unthinkable if tensions persist.

All eyes are on Al-Nassr's upcoming clash with Al-Ittihad.

If Ronaldo returns, the story may cool. If he remains absent, the Saudi Pro League could be facing its first true superstar governance crisis.

Key takeaways

• Ronaldo reportedly unhappy with Al-Nassr's winter recruitment
• Belief that Al-Hilal have gained a financial edge
• Benzema's move seen as a flashpoint
• Strike rumours raise questions about player power in Saudi football
• A summer transfer exit is now being discussed in European media

For a league built on star appeal and rapid growth, this situation is about more than one player - it's a test of structure, authority and competitive credibility.

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