Cristiano Ronaldo Absent for Second Straight Al Nassr Match
Cristiano Ronaldo has been absent from his second consecutive match with Al Nassr, marking a notable development in his career. This follows his exclusion from the matchday squad against Al Ittihad after missing the previous game against Al Riyadh.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ongoing Absence
Ronaldo, aged 41, was left out of the squad for Al Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh on February 6, 2026. Reports indicate this decision stems from a disagreement regarding the management of the club.
Club Dispute and Management Issues
The Athletic highlighted that Ronaldo feels let down by the club’s hierarchy. His concerns are primarily about the lack of squad strengthening in the recent transfer window. This sentiment is exacerbated by the perceived disparity in ambition between Al Nassr and other major clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
- Al Nassr is one of the clubs owned primarily by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a 75% stake.
- Other clubs under PIF include Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal.
Transfers and League Standing
Al Nassr has made some recent signings, including Saudi international Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s former teammate Karim Benzema transferred from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, further highlighting competitive tensions. Al Nassr currently sits third in the Saudi Pro League, just four points behind leaders Al Hilal.
Ronaldo’s Views and Future Uncertainty
Sources close to the situation have stated that it is difficult to predict what lies ahead for Ronaldo at Al Nassr. His dissatisfaction extends beyond individual transfers; he desires equitable treatment for all clubs to maintain fairness in the league.
Ronaldo’s Contract and Performance
Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022 after departing Manchester United, Ronaldo signed a lucrative two-year contract in 2025. He earns £175 million ($240 million) annually and has a release clause of £44 million. To date, he has netted 111 goals in 127 matches for the club but has yet to secure a Saudi Pro League title or achieve success in the AFC Champions League.
