Cristiano Ronaldo skips Al-Nassr league match amid boycott over club support and missed transfers.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Riyadh, despite being fully fit, according to reports confirmed on Monday.
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The 40-year-old Portuguese forward reportedly took the decision amid growing dissatisfaction with the club’s direction and perceived lack of support compared with rivals.
Sources cited by Planet Football suggest Ronaldo is unhappy with how the Saudi Public Investment Fund has prioritised rival clubs, including Al-Hilal, leaving Al-Nassr at a perceived disadvantage in their title pursuit.
The forward reportedly expressed frustration over a quiet January transfer window, fearing the league championship may slip away.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, has a history of similar standoffs. During his second spell at Manchester United in October 2022, he famously refused a late substitute appearance against Tottenham Hotspur, walking off the pitch before the final whistle.
He later admitted regret over the incident but defended his decision as a reaction to feeling provoked by managerial choices.
Earlier, in August 2021, Ronaldo requested not to feature for Juventus in their opening match against Empoli, signalling his intention to leave the club.
The decision preceded his eventual return to Manchester United, ending a three-year spell in Turin where he scored 101 goals in 134 appearances and won five trophies.
Ronaldo’s absence against Al-Riyadh is widely interpreted as a protest, sending a clear message about his expectations for club support and ambition.
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Al-Nassr will proceed without the star forward, but the situation underscores the tension surrounding one of football’s most iconic figures as he continues his pursuit of a first league title in Saudi Arabia.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
