Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Saudi Arabia’s premier club Al-Nassr has grown increasingly uncertain, with the forward missing his second consecutive match. Despite his absence, Al-Nassr secured a 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League on Friday, 6 February, thanks to late goals from former Liverpool striker Sadio Mané and Brazilian attacker Ângelo Gabriel.
Ronaldo was also absent during Monday’s 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh. On that occasion, fans demonstrated their unwavering support by holding up yellow placards bearing his name and iconic number seven jersey—a clear sign that concerns over the club’s internal situation extend to its supporters as well.
Portuguese media outlet A Bola has reported that Ronaldo himself has expressed dissatisfaction with the way the club is being managed under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), leading him to refuse participation in certain matches. A spokesperson for the Saudi Pro League told BBC Sport that while Ronaldo’s contributions to Al-Nassr’s progress have been vital, no individual—even a global superstar—can dictate decisions from outside the club.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, reportedly earning an annual salary of around £177 million, making him the highest-paid player in football history. At the time, the club described the signing as “a historic milestone.” To date, his only major trophy in Saudi Arabia is the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup.
Adding to his frustrations, former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema recently joined Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad and scored a hat-trick in his debut, further highlighting the competitive pressures Ronaldo faces.
Currently, after 20 matches, Al-Nassr sits second in the Saudi Pro League standings, trailing leaders Al-Hilal—both clubs under PIF control. The following table summarises recent matches and Ronaldo’s absences:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Goal Scorers | Ronaldo Present | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Feb 2026 | Al-Riyadh | 1-0 | – | No | Fans held placards showing support |
| 6 Feb 2026 | Al-Ittihad | 2-0 | Sadio Mané, Ângelo Gabriel | No | Victory secured despite Ronaldo’s absence |
| – | – | – | – | – | Al-Nassr 2nd place; Al-Hilal leading table |
Ronaldo’s situation has sparked renewed debate across the international football community. With his future hanging in the balance, experts suggest that without a resolution between player and club, this could mark a pivotal turning point in Ronaldo’s illustrious career.