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By Goli Innocent
The Saudi Pro League has issued a pointed warning to Cristiano Ronaldo, stressing that “no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club,” amid growing uncertainty over the Portuguese star’s future at Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo, 41, was left out of Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league match against Al-Riyadh, fuelling speculation over his relationship with the club and the league’s governing structure.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that the forward refused to play after becoming dissatisfied with how Al-Nassr is being managed under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
BBC Sport understands that Ronaldo’s frustration intensified following the high-profile transfer of former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema to league leaders Al-Hilal earlier this week.
Benzema, 38, made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in Al-Hilal’s 6-0 win over Al-Okhdood on Thursday.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are among the clubs controlled by the PIF, which also backs Newcastle United, raising renewed debate about competitive balance within the Saudi Pro League.
While Ronaldo returned to training on Wednesday and shared images of the session on social media, league officials remain uncertain whether he will feature in Friday’s marquee clash against Al-Ittihad.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson emphasised the league’s governance framework, insisting that clubs operate independently despite shared ownership structures.
“The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules,” the spokesperson said.
“Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.”
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The spokesperson acknowledged Ronaldo’s influence since his arrival in Saudi Arabia, but made clear that no player holds authority beyond their club.
“Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.
“But no individual, however significant, determines decisions beyond their own club,” the statement added.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season, becoming the highest-paid player in football history with an annual salary reported to be £177 million.
Despite scoring 91 goals in 95 league appearances, his only major trophy with the club remains the Arab Club Champions Cup.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner signed a new two-year contract in June 2025, although speculation over his future has persisted, including reports of a potential loan move to rivals Al-Hilal before the extension was agreed.
During the January transfer window, Al-Nassr signed only Iraq Under-23 midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem, while Al-Hilal strengthened further and remain unbeaten this season.
They lead the league with 50 points after 20 matches, with Al-Nassr four points behind in third place but holding a game in hand.
Defending the league’s competitive structure, the Saudi Pro League spokesperson said the narrow gap among the leading teams reflected a system functioning as intended.
“With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended,” the spokesperson said.
“The focus remains on football on the pitch, where it belongs and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.”
As speculation around Ronaldo’s stance continues, attention now turns to whether he will return to action or whether the standoff will further intensify debate over governance, investment, and star power in Saudi football.
