Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly goes on strike ahead of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh over financial disputes

Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old football legend, is reportedly refusing to play ahead of Al-Nassr’s upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture against local rivals Al-Riyadh.

The Portuguese star, who earns an astonishing £488,000 a day, is said to be frustrated with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is managing his club’s finances.

Star Forward Questions Financial Fairness

Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction stems from what he perceives as unequal treatment compared to rival clubs backed by the PIF.

While Al-Nassr’s PIF owns a 75% stake in four league clubs — Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr itself — Ronaldo believes that Al-Nassr has been left behind in the race for transfer reinforcements, particularly compared to Al-Hilal.

Transfers and Squad Inequality

During the recent January transfer window, Al-Nassr signed only one player, 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.

Meanwhile, Al-Hilal invested heavily, bringing in Spanish centre-back Pablo Mari for £1.7 million and Rennes forward Kader Meite for £26 million.

Reports also suggest another £26 million signing, Neom star Saimon Bouabre, is imminent.

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Ronaldo and his manager Jorge Jesus have expressed frustration at the lack of comparable support, especially given the club’s ambitions.

Manager Jorge Jesus Calls Out League Disparity

Earlier this season, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus publicly criticized the financial inequality between the clubs, arguing that Al-Nassr “does not have the political power of Al-Hilal.”

His comments were met with pushback from Al-Hilal, who requested that the Saudi Pro League suspend Jesus for six months to a year.

Ronaldo’s reported strike is seen by some as a continuation of these tensions.

Ronaldo’s Future and European Ambitions

Despite the ongoing row, Ronaldo remains ambitious about his career milestones.

In December, speaking in Dubai, he hinted at a possible return to Europe while emphasizing his desire to reach 1,000 career goals.

“My passion is high and I want to continue.

It doesn’t matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe,” Ronaldo said.

He currently has 961 career goals, including his recent strike in Al-Nassr’s 3-0 victory over Al-Kholood.

Pressure Builds Ahead of Key Match

Al-Nassr fans and pundits alike are now watching closely to see if Ronaldo will take the field against Al-Riyadh.

With the league’s financial dynamics and ongoing transfer disparities under the spotlight, the superstar’s absence could have a significant impact on both the game and the wider narrative surrounding Saudi football’s rapid rise.