Soccer

Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to play for Al Nassr

It was initially suggested Ronaldo would rested for Monday’s Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh, but reports from Portugal suggest otherwise.

Hamad I Mohammed

Juan Lopesino Roddy Cons

Update: Feb 2nd, 2026 05:24 EST

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to play for Al Nassr, according to reports out of Portugal, in a development that has sent shockwaves through Saudi Arabian soccer.

Why Ronaldo has declined to play for Al Nassr against Al Riyadh

Portuguese outlet A Bola reports that the global superstar is unhappy with how the club is being run and does not intend to play Monday’s scheduled match against Al Riyadh.

🚨⚠️ Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature in tomorrow’s match between Al Nassr and Al Riyadh.

His absence is not related to any physical issue nor to workload or fitness management. pic.twitter.com/k5TvpMquBR
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2026

The news has triggered a fresh round of controversy in the Saudi Pro League, where Ronaldo has been the league’s biggest attraction since arriving in late 2022. According to the report, the decision is tied directly to Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with Al Nassr’s management, which is overseen by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, or PIF.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr standoff

Local Saudi media initially suggested Ronaldo would sit out Monday’s game simply to rest ahead of a crucial upcoming showdown with Al Ittihad. However, newer reports indicate the situation is far more serious, with Ronaldo refusing outright to suit up.

That distinction has changed the tone of the story dramatically, turning what looked like routine squad rotation into a full-blown standoff.

Frustration with PIF and unequal treatment

At the center of Ronaldo’s frustration is what he sees as unequal treatment by the PIF compared with other clubs, particularly Al Hilal. Al Hilal is reportedly set to become the next destination for Karim Benzema following his abrupt split from Al Ittihad, a move that would further strengthen one of Al Nassr’s main rivals.

Ronaldo is also said to be unhappy with Al Nassr’s lack of reinforcements during a decisive stretch of the season. Jorge Jesus, who has been linked with shaping the squad’s direction, reportedly requested multiple signings. So far, the only addition has been young prospect Haydeer Abdulkareem, while rival clubs continue to significantly upgrade their rosters.

Power freeze inside Al Nassr leadership

A Bola also reports internal turmoil within Al Nassr’s executive structure. The club has two Portuguese figures in key leadership roles, sporting director Simao Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo. Earlier this month, the board reportedly froze their decision-making powers, a move that has only deepened Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with the PIF’s handling of the club.

For Ronaldo, these developments appear to signal a lack of ambition and stability at a moment when Al Nassr is fighting for silverware.

A league-shaking moment

What began as a single match absence now threatens to become a turning point for the Saudi Pro League season. Ronaldo has made his move, publicly and decisively. The pressure now falls on the PIF to respond, with potential consequences that could reshape the title race and the balance of power in Saudi soccer.