The supporters were equally vocal in their solidarity. In the 7th minute—a nod to his iconic shirt number—the stadium erupted in a coordinated chant of his name, with banners held high across the home sections. It was a powerful message from the Al Nassr faithful, who are firmly behind Ronaldo despite the friction his boycott has caused within the league’s leadership.

While the Saudi Pro League have previously warned that ‘no individual, however important, makes decisions beyond their own club,’ the atmosphere in Riyadh suggested that for the Al Nassr fans, Ronaldo remains the heart of the project.

Al Nassr have yet to announce when their star forward will return to the lineup, but the internal support remains unwavering as the club navigate this unprecedented situation.

Ronaldo could take extreme measures if conditions unchanged

The root of Cristiano Ronaldo’s protest is his belief that the PIF manage resources unequally among the clubs under their control (Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad). He has signaled that a perceived favoritism is directly undermining Al Nassr.

The breaking point for Ronaldo was the arrival of his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, at Al Hilal—Al Nassr’s direct rivals and the current Saudi Pro League leaders. During this transfer window, the other three PIF-backed teams saw significant reinforcements, while Al Nassr only signed Haider Abdulkarim on a free transfer.

This standoff has put the PIF in a difficult position. Ronaldo remains the league’s global face, and his absence from the pitch directly impacts the competition’s international viewership.

Sources now suggest that if the PIF do not address these inequalities and restore the management’s authority, Ronaldo could look to activate a summer release clause to leave Al Nassr as early as June 2026.

According to reports from ESPN, Ronaldo will not feature against Al Ittihad as he continues his protest against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Portuguese forward was also absent from Al Nassr’s recent 1-0 victory over Al Riyadh, which marked the beginning of his strike against the financial entity.

Despite being fully fit and having no issues with manager Jorge Jesus or anyone within the Al Nassr camp—having trained with the squad all week—Ronaldo remains firm in his decision not to play. The forward is reportedly pointing to unequal management by the PIF across their portfolio of clubs, alleging that Al Hilal receive preferential treatment.

The suspension of Al Nassr’s Portuguese executives, Sporting Director Simao Coutinho and General Manager Jose Semedo, has hindered the club’s ability to secure high-profile reinforcements. This lack of movement in the transfer market has fueled Ronaldo’s frustration with the PIF leadership.

Finally, the high-profile transfer of Karim Benzema to Al Hilal—the league leaders and Al Nassr’s direct rivals—has prompted the Portuguese star to take individual action to demonstrate his dissatisfaction with the current landscape.

The Saudi Pro League issues an official statement

Amid the growing controversy, the Saudi Pro League issued a formal statement on Thursday, addressing the situation and clarifying the league’s operational structure.

“The Saudi Pro League is built upon a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same set of rules. The clubs have their own boards of directors, their own executives, and their own football leadership…’ the official statement began. Furthermore, the release specifically addressed Ronaldo’s discontent.

“…Cristiano has been fully committed to Al Nassr since his arrival and has played a fundamental role in the growth and ambition of the club. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual, however important, makes decisions beyond their own club…“ the league stated, specifically targeting the Portuguese star’s public grievances.

“…The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. 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 focus remains on the football—on the pitch, where it belongs—and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans,” the league concluded.

Al Ittihad quickly took the lead after a smooth French connection: Karim Benzema scored the opening goal in the 15th minute after receiving a superb assist from Moussa Diaby. However, Al Nassr managed to find an equalizer 30 minutes in. Following a swift counterattack, the squad managed by Jorge Jesus leveled the score through a strike from Brazilian midfielder Angelo.

The joy was short-lived, however, as Houssem Aouar scored just 15 minutes later to secure the decisive 2-1 lead before halftime. Upon returning for the second half, Al Ittihad was dealt a setback when Ahmed Al Julaydan received a red card. Despite numerous attempts to equalize the match, Al Nassr failed to find the net again, resulting in their elimination from the King’s Cup.

Approximately one hour after the match concluded, Cristiano Ronaldo took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a clear statement regarding the tough loss. “We stand tall, learn, and move forward together,” CR7 wrote.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s title drought

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the undisputed centerpiece of Al Nassr since his high-profile arrival in 2022. The Portuguese icon remains the team’s leading scorer, having tallied 107 goals in 114 matches. However, despite his phenomenal individual production, he has yet to secure a single major official trophy with the club.

Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in soccer history with 950 goals, has been defeated in all three finals he has contested with Al Nassr. This streak includes a penalty shootout loss to Al Hilal in the 2023-24 King’s Cup, followed by consecutive defeats in the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Saudi Super Cup (losing 4-1 to Al Hilal and subsequently losing to Al Ahli on penalties).

The only silverware Ronaldo has captured with Al Nassr is the Arab Club Champions Cup, where he scored a brace to defeat Al Hilal 2-1. However, this tournament is not officially recognized by either the AFC or FIFA, meaning it is classified only as an exhibition trophy.

According to The Athletic, the Saudi Arabian outfit is willing to offer an astonishing €235 million to land Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah next season. That would make the Egypt international the most expensive player in soccer history.

Paris Saint-Germain currently hold the record by forking out €222 million for the Brazilian star, who went on to spend six seasons at the Parc des Princes. In the summer of 2023, Ney joined the list of stars who took their talents to the Middle East by signing for Al-Hilal.

That group includes Karim Benzema, who left Real Madrid as a free agent to sign for Al-Ittihad at the beginning of the season. The Frenchman, however, is not going through the best of times at the club, as his relationship with coach Marcelo Gallardo looks strained.

Al-Ittihad already making plans for next season

With Benzema’s future at the club unclear and the team doing worse than predicted in the domestic league, Al-Ittihad’s intention of signing Salah may be part of a bigger plan to bounce back next year.

Right now, Gallardo’s team is fifth in the Saudi Pro League with 31 points, 22 shy of leaders Al-Hilal. While the local title race looks difficult, Al-Ittihad are still alive in the AFC Champions League, where they’ll play Navbahor Namangan in the round of 16.

Apart from Benzema, their squad already boasts big names such as N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, Luiz Felipe and Jota. Therefore, landing a player of Salah’s caliber could be an even bigger boost for the club.

The winger, who turns 32 in June, will be playing on an expiring contract next season. Liverpool are expected to try and tie him down to an extension, as Salah continues to play at a fantastic level. This season, he boasts an impressive 14 goals and eight assists in 20 Premier League games. But only time will tell if the player wants to extend his stay at Anfield.

According to Marca, Benzema is “stranded in Mauritius waiting to catch a flight to Dubai, where his club Al-Ittihad are waiting for him to begin pre-season training.” English tabloids have linked the former Real Madrid star to Chelsea, but a lot of reports in France have stated that Benzema wants out of his deal with Al-Ittihad which ends in June of 2026.

While Marcelo Gallardo’s side continues to wait for their biggest star, Benzema can’t complain about his lifestyle as he is reportedly worth $230 million.

Benzema’s bling

Long before Benzema went to Saudi Arabia, the French striker knew how to spend his money, according to The Sun, the former Lyon man has a near $4,000 gold plated iPhone.

Benzema’s car collection is estimated to be worth $7.5 million, which includes a BMW M5 Competition, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini Urus, a Bugatti Chiron, Ferrari 458 Spyder and a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, among others.

Benzema also loves to go on unique vacations where he goes on safari and rents luxury yachts. Benzema also has designer clothes in bunches.

Al Ittihad sits in seventh place in the SPL and still has more than half a season to climb the standings. Marcelo Gallardo’s side is currently on a three-game losing streak, although Benzema doesn’t have much to complain about.

According to The Sun, the Saudi club hope to recruit Liverpool’s former sports director Julian Ward. Ward could be the final piece in trying to get Salah to the Saudi Pro League although the Reds striker is not showing signs he is ready to leave the big time.

Mohamed Salah has 10 goals in 13 games in the Premier League this season, which makes Al-Ittihad chances slim if they are only banking on a former executive to convince Salah.

Jurgen Klopp on Mohamed Salah

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stated that he had very little desire for one of his leaders and top players to leave the club for the Saudi Pro League.

“Mo is here, Mo never came to me and wanted to go. I didn’t think a second about it, to be honest, should we [sell] or not, or whatever. So, yes, he’s here. He feels extremely well, you can see that he enjoys the team a lot.”

Marcelo Gallardo now coaching Al-Ittihad

After successful spells at Nacional of Uruguay and River Plate in Argentina, Marcelo Gallardo is now the coach of Al-Ittihad, after winning 14 titles and compiling a 251-85-111 record with River Plate. Gallardo won two Copa Libertadores, one of which was by defeating Boca Juniors, and was runner up at the Club World Cup in 2015.

As a manager along with his championships he was South American manager of the year on three occasions, Copa Libertadores manager of the season twice, and is considered one of the best Argentine managers at the moment.

Gallardo, who had turned down offers to coach in MLS, Brazil, some European teams, and Mexico had his eye in Europe, and a long-term project, but after failing to land a European club, the former River Plate legend jumped on the chance to coach Al-Ittihad, who has the Club World Cup in December and could give Gallardo more exposure.

According to TyC Sports, Gallardo will sign a year and a half deal with Al-Ittihad, who are fifth in the Saudi Pro League, and has Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Luiz Felipe, and Abderrazak Hamdallah on the roster.

Why did Marcelo Gallardo not land in Europe?

After nine successful seasons coaching River Plate, Gallardo won 14 titles and compiled a 251-85-111 record. Gallardo won two Copa Libertadores, one of which was by defeating Boca Juniors, and was runner up at the Club World Cup in 2015. Gallardo also won a title with Nacional of Uruguay, his first coaching experience.

Despite all his fame and accomplishments, Gallardo was seen as a “gamble” to many teams in Europe. Today many sporting directors are not willing to take a chance on a “unknown” commodity like Gallardo. Despite being linked to PSG, Monaco, Leeds, Valencia, Sevilla, and Everton, Gallardo turned down many job opportunities and never got past the finish line in others.

Marcelo Gallardo’s career

As a player, Gallardo played for River Plate, Monaco, PSG, DC United, and Nacional of Uruguay. He won titles at all of the clubs he played for. At the national team level, Gallardo played in two World Cups for Argentina in 1998 and 2002.

As a manager along with his championships he was South American manager of the year on three occasions, Copa Libertadores manager of the season twice, and is considered one of the best Argentine managers at the moment.

Al-Ittihad is currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League and is one of the top clubs in the country. Playing with Fabinho and Karim Benzema, Kanté is hopeful he can get his team to win a Saudi Pro League title.

Kanté took the time to speak with L’Equipe, and detailed how impressed he has been with the Saudi Pro League as a whole.

N’Golo Kanté: Saudi League just as good as Ligue 1

N’Golo Kanté told L’Equipe, ‘For the names that went to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Saudi league is better than the French.’ Kanté’s form has been so good in Saudi Arabia that French outlets are beginning to demand he return to the national team.

Kanté was a part of the miracle Leicester City side that won the Premier League in 2016, and at Chelsea the French World Cup winner played seven seasons with the club winning six titles.

Conor Gallagher to Saudi Pro League

According to reports, the Saudi Pro League has their sights set on another Chelsea player and that is midfielder Conor Gallagher. The 23-year-old has featured in eight matches this season but could get a deal sent his way.

Al-Ettifaq is the team reported to be interested in the Chelsea midfielder, Al-Ettifaq is currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League.

What is interesting is that more A-list players are expected to go to the Middle East. There have also been extensive rumors involving superstars like Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Four of the biggest football teams in the kingdom, including Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, are rumored to be acquired by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Since Saudi clubs are not restricted by UEFA’s spending limits, the PIF may give whatever wages they see necessary to attract the world’s best players to the Middle East, unlike other European teams.

What were Saudi Arabian clubs found guilty of?

The International Federation of Professional Football Players (FIFPRO), which represents 65,000 players throughout the globe, has issued a warning to its members to avoid playing for Saudi Arabian teams. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have been accused of not paying their players fairly after a stinging report was released by FIFPRO.

The Athletic has published details from the investigation that illustrate many concerning situations. For example, there have been several situations when Saudi Arabian teams were involved in a salary dispute. Forward Lewis Grabban, formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, spent just three months at Al-Ahli before departing.

After not receiving a signing bonus or two months’ pay, Grabban allegedly asked for £2.2 million in damages. An arbitrator ruled that Al-Ahli should pay Grabban $500,000 in back wages and $700,000 in damages for breach of contract, and the club was also barred from registering new players for “two entire and consecutive registration periods.”

Not only are they not alone among clubs, but they also contributed to the scandal. A similar issue in November resulted in a $2.5 million payout to Brazilian player Petros, who played for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s side.

In the meantime, Al-Hilal had an interest in signing Lionel Messi earlier in the summer, but the Argentine World Cup winner ultimately opted for a transfer to Major League Soccer and signed with Inter Miami instead. His former PSG colleague Sergio Ramos is also a possible target for a Saudi Arabian club.

The Spanish defender’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain will expire at the end of the month, and he will be leaving the club. On the other hand, whether or not Real Madrid veteran midfielder Luka Modric chooses to reunite with his old pals in the Middle East remains to be seen.

Will Luka Modric leave Real Madrid and move to Saudi Arabia?

Many reports suggested that Luka Modric has agreed to a one-year contract extension with Real Madrid, making his future at the Santiago Bernabeu seem certain. However, after receiving a lucrative contract offer from Saudi Arabia, he is allegedly now exploring a move.

According to French journalist Romain Molina, the Croatian is giving serious thought to the €80 million + €20 million offer from Saudi Arabia for two seasons. Both the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli and the Qatari side Al-Sadd are willing to pay a hefty sum for the veteran.

In addition, Borja Couce, the agent of the Madrid superstar, has taken to Instagram to follow Saudi squads Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr, adding fuel to the speculation.

The goal is to create the Saudi Pro League a true local powerhouse by attracting the game’s biggest names when they enter their thirties. This summer, rumors have circulated that Karim Benzema will join Al-Ittihad and that Lionel Messi will join Al-Hilal.

Benzema, at 35 years old, could make €100 million per year if he leaves Real Madrid now instead of waiting until 2024 when the club plans to spend heavily on a striker. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal have been extensively connected with a move for the ex-Barcelona captain, and their offer has subsequently nearly quadrupled to an astounding €600 million per year.

What did Cristiano Ronaldo say of Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema’s possible Saudi moves?

Upon hearing that the duo were linked with a move to the league, Cristiano Ronaldo said, as quoted by Eurosport: “They are welcome. The big players are all welcome.

“The league will improve, and it currently has wonderful foreign and Arab players. And in my opinion, if they continue to do the work that they want to do here, for the next five years, I think the Saudi league can be a top five league in the world.“

The 38-year-old has also committed to spending the next season with Al-Nassr: “I am happy here, I want to continue here, I will continue here.”