Sports editor
- Published 5 February 2026
The Saudi Pro League has warned Cristiano Ronaldo “no individual—however significant—determines decisions beyond their own club” amid doubts over his future at Al-Nassr.
The Portugal forward, 41, was left out of Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s Saudi Pro League game against Al-Riyadh.
Portuguese outlet A Bola, external, reported Ronaldo refused to play, having grown dissatisfied with how the club was being run by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
BBC Sport has been told former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema’s move to league leaders Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad earlier this week was the principle reason for Ronaldo’s frustration at Al-Nassr.
French striker Benzema, 38, scored a hat trick on his debut for Al-Hilal in a 6-0 win over Al-Okhdood on Thursday.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal—the country’s most successful club with 19 league titles—are among the teams controlled by the PIF, which also backs Newcastle United.
Ronaldo posted a picture of himself back in training on Wednesday, but Saudi Pro League officials are unsure if he will play against Al-Ittihad on Friday.
