Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, 02 February 2026, 09:02 / Updated on Monday, 02 February 2026 09:04
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the Portuguese international from Al Nassr is said to be unhappy with the way Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is managing his club.
A Bola claim that Cristiano Ronaldo will not play for Al Nassr against Al Riyadh in the 20th round of the Saudi Pro League today. The Portuguese international is neither injured nor suspended.
Cristiano Ronaldo accuses the Public Investment Fund of favoring Al Hilal
According to sources within the club, “Cristiano is unhappy with the way Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is managing Al Nassr, compared to the treatment of his rivals managed by the same fund. More specifically, compared to Al Hilal“.
Al Ittihad have offered Karim Benzema a contract extension, but the French striker has deemed it below what he wants. And L'Equipe have reported that he is close to signing for Saudi league leaders Al Hilal, who are three points clear of Cristiano Ronaldo's second-placed side.
On the other hand, there is no transfer money for Al Nassr and this would be another reason that led Cristiano Ronaldo to take the decision not to play in today's championship match.
Cristiano Ronaldo complained about the lack of investment in the club
According to A Bola, the Portuguese international “complained about the lack of investment in the club”. In fact, Al Nassr has only transferred one player this winter mercato period: Haydeer Abdulkareem, a 21-year-old midfielder from Iraq. Far too little for a team fighting for the title.
Ronaldo extended his contract with Al Nassr in the summer, until 2027, and his goals are a first championship title in Saudi Arabia, but also reaching the figure of 1,000 goals scored in his career. He currently has 961 successes.
