Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Second Al Nassr Match Amid Saudi Pro League Strike

Cristiano Ronaldo has missed back-to-back games for Al Nassr, continuing his silence during a dispute with Saudi Pro League (SPL) officials. This situation escalated after he did not play against Al Ittihad last Friday, following his absence in the prior match against Al Riyadh. Despite returning to training, Ronaldo was excluded from the matchday squad by head coach Jorge Jesus.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ongoing Protest

The Portuguese forward is reportedly engaged in a one-man protest. He feels Al Nassr lacks the financial support that rivals such as Al Hilal receive. This dissatisfaction reportedly stems from Al Hilal’s recent acquisitions, notably Karim Benzema, further fueling his frustration.

Saudi Officials’ Reaction

Saudi football officials are losing patience with Ronaldo. They believe his protest jeopardizes the reputation of both the SPL and the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls both Al Nassr and Al Hilal. In response, the SPL issued a public warning to the seasoned forward ahead of Friday’s match.

Financial Disparities in the SPL

Ronaldo is convinced that Al Hilal receives preferential treatment, especially after their recent investment in world-class players. He believes that Al Nassr has already invested heavily—approximately £100 million this season—and feels disadvantaged in comparison.

• Ronaldo’s financial package: Reportedly earns £500,000 per day.
• Current contract: 18 months remaining with a release clause of £43 million (€50 million).

SPL’s Standpoint

The SPL maintains that its financial regulations are fair and that every club operates independently. They emphasized that recruitment decisions rest solely with the clubs. A spokesperson stated, “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival… no individual determines decisions beyond their own club.”

Recent Developments

As the league progresses, Al Hilal has stretched their lead over Al Nassr to four points following a dominant 6-0 victory against Al Akhdoud, where Benzema scored a hat-trick. With only a few points differentiating the top teams, the SPL insists that the title race remains competitive.

Despite Ronaldo’s stature as a key player, Saudi officials express surprise at his discontent, urging him to return to the field. The SPL is focused on sustaining a credible competition, highlighting a competitive spirit across the league.