Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Riyadh on February 2, with outlets reporting he refused to play in protest despite no injury concerns.
- Sources say his discontent centers on the Public Investment Fund’s multi-club control and perceived stronger backing for rivals, notably Al Hilal.
- Al Nassr’s only January signing was 21-year-old Haydeer Abdulkareem after coach Jorge Jesus highlighted a lack of foreign-player slots and financial room for reinforcements.
- ESPN reported Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal was initially held up by PIF and the Saudi Ministry of Sport before being completed later on deadline day, with some sources linking the delay to Ronaldo’s stance.
- Reports also point to curtailed powers for sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo as a factor in the unrest, while Ronaldo remains under contract through June 2027.