Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory against Al-Ittihad on Friday, but the match was overshadowed by one glaring absence: Cristiano Ronaldo. Following his omission against Al-Riyadh earlier in the week, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar once again did not feature for the Saudi Arabian giants, leaving fans and pundits speculating about his future at the club.
The goals that secured Al-Nassr’s win came in the latter stages, courtesy of Sadio Mané and Angelo Gabriel, highlighting the team’s depth even in the absence of their marquee signing. Despite not taking to the pitch, Ronaldo’s presence was felt in the stands. In the seventh minute, a section of the stadium erupted in chants of his name, with fans proudly displaying bright yellow placards adorned with his iconic number seven.
Ronaldo’s absence from consecutive matches has sparked widespread discussion within the footballing world. Portuguese outlet A Bola claims that the forward may be dissatisfied with the management of Al-Nassr under the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and is consequently reluctant to play. However, the Saudi Pro League authorities offer a contrasting perspective. According to BBC Sport, while Ronaldo’s contributions remain invaluable to the club’s ambitions, no individual player has the authority to dictate club decisions.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, and his only major trophy with the club to date is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. In June 2025, he extended his contract for another two years, signalling his intent to continue in Saudi Arabia. Yet, recent developments—including Karim Benzema’s high-profile transfer to league rivals Al-Hilal—have reportedly contributed to Ronaldo’s frustration. Al-Nassr currently trail Al-Hilal by a single point at the top of the league table, intensifying the pressure to perform in the closing stages of the season.
The table below highlights Al-Nassr’s recent league performances, with Ronaldo’s participation noted:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goal Scorers | Ronaldo Played? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Feb 2026 | Al-Riyadh | 1-0 Win | Nahel Ali | No |
| 7 Feb 2026 | Al-Ittihad | 2-0 Win | Sadio Mané, Angelo Gabriel | No |
While Al-Nassr’s squad has shown resilience without their talisman, speculation continues regarding Ronaldo’s role in the team. Analysts suggest that if he remains absent, it could impact the club’s title ambitions, particularly as Al-Hilal maintains a slender lead. Fans will be closely watching the next fixtures to see whether Ronaldo returns to action or if tensions within the club persist.
