Cristiano Ronaldo 'missing' poster goes viral in Saudi Arabia
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The image jokingly describes a "40-year-old man suffering from excessive weeping syndrome," with a tongue-in-cheek appeal for information about his whereabouts.
Whilst many online users viewed it as football banter, others criticised the post as disrespectful towards one of the sport's most decorated players.
The authenticity and origin of the poster remain unverified, but its rapid spread highlights the intense spotlight surrounding Ronaldo's situation in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal fans are hanging “missing” posters of Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh streets ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
— NUFCJoey (@ClinicalBruno39) February 3, 2026
This comes after Ronaldo refused to play or train for Al-Nassr a few days ago pic.twitter.com/d5LPcqlSTr
Why was Ronaldo absent?
Speculation surged after the Portuguese forward missed Al-Nassr's most recent match, fuelling rumours of unrest behind the scenes.Some reports suggested he had left Saudi Arabia, with unconfirmed images circulating of him boarding a private jet.
However, Portuguese outlet Record has since reported that Ronaldo remains in Riyadh and has maintained full attendance at training sessions.
This version of events contradicts claims of a boycott or training absence, calming suggestions of a complete breakdown in relations with club officials.
Transfer frustration and rivalry tensions
Sources across regional and European media have linked Ronaldo's reported frustration to Al-Nassr's January transfer window, which he is said to view as underwhelming compared with rival investment.Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), but perceptions of imbalance have intensified amid talk of high-profile player movements within the league.
In particular, discussions in the Saudi football sphere have involved Al-Hilal's new signing Karim Benzema, Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate.
Reports suggest Ronaldo was concerned about maintaining competitive balance at the top of the table, where Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr are closely matched.
Whilst none of these claims have been officially confirmed by the club or the player, they have contributed to the narrative of tension.
Is Ronaldo leaving Saudi Arabia?
Despite online chatter about a return to Portugal, that possibility has reportedly been ruled out.Instead, two potential pathways are most frequently mentioned in media circles:
- MLS move - A switch to the United States would expand Ronaldo's commercial footprint and global profile.
- Final European stint - A short-term return to a Champions League-level side remains an ambition if a suitable offer emerges.
Bigger picture: Football, fame and online culture
The "missing poster" episode reflects more than club politics.It underlines:
- The intense scrutiny surrounding global icons
- The passionate rivalry shaping Saudi football's rapid rise
- How meme culture and satire now shape sports narratives as much as match results
For Ronaldo, the situation highlights the delicate balance between ambition, legacy and the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern football.
Until official statements clarify his long-term future, speculation will continue - both on the pitch and across social media feeds.
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