The Saudi Pro League has issued a warning to Cristiano Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward who plays for Al-Nassr, stating that "no individual - however significant - determines decisions beyond their own club". This warning comes amid growing doubts over his future at the club following reports that he was left out of Monday's squad for the Saudi Pro League game against Al-Riyadh.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo refused to play in the match and had grown dissatisfied with how the club was being run by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also backs Newcastle United. The reason behind his frustration is believed to be a loan move to rivals Al-Hilal, led by former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema, who has already scored a hat-trick on his debut for the club in a 6-0 win over Al-Okhdood.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 and has since won the Arab Club Champions Cup with them, but it appears that he is now considering leaving the club. The Saudi Pro League has made it clear that any player can leave their current club, provided they have a valid release clause or permission from their employers.
In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a spokesperson for the Saudi Pro League said: "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 football - on the pitch, where it belongs - and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.
Ronaldo has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival, but it seems that he wants to win. He has only played in the Arab Club Champions Cup with them and was paid an annual salary of £177m when he signed a new two-year contract in June 2025.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo refused to play in the match and had grown dissatisfied with how the club was being run by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also backs Newcastle United. The reason behind his frustration is believed to be a loan move to rivals Al-Hilal, led by former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema, who has already scored a hat-trick on his debut for the club in a 6-0 win over Al-Okhdood.
Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 and has since won the Arab Club Champions Cup with them, but it appears that he is now considering leaving the club. The Saudi Pro League has made it clear that any player can leave their current club, provided they have a valid release clause or permission from their employers.
In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a spokesperson for the Saudi Pro League said: "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 football - on the pitch, where it belongs - and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.
Ronaldo has been fully engaged with Al-Nassr since his arrival, but it seems that he wants to win. He has only played in the Arab Club Champions Cup with them and was paid an annual salary of £177m when he signed a new two-year contract in June 2025.
! I feel bad for Cristiano Ronaldo, he's been playing amazing football but it seems like the politics behind his move to Al-Nassr are messing with him 
. He's been paid so much money to join the club and win trophies, but now it feels like that's not enough 
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. Is it just about the money or is it about playing for his team? I get it, he's been left out of the squad and that must be frustrating 
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. It's not right that a player can be benched without even explaining themselves 
. I wish CR7 all the best, but I think he deserves better than this 
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. All that cash and still not happy? 
He should just chill, leave, or win games to keep himself employed 
. Cristiano Ronaldo, the GOAT, or so they say? 
I know he's had an amazing career, but there was just something special about watching CR7 dominate on the pitch. Those were the days, man...
He's like a teenager who just got his first Ferrari, but now it's all about the prestige and respect of the game... or so he thinks 
theyre tryin to chill him out by sayin no one decides for the club, but i think its more than that 
. With his massive salary, you'd think he'd be happy at Al-Nassr, but it seems like the club is lacking something - a clear direction? The fact that he was left out of Monday's squad and had some major issues with how the club is being run by PIF is pretty telling 
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... I mean, who doesn't love the money, right? But seriously though, it's just crazy how much power these top players have and how much influence they can wield. I remember when David Beckham was at Manchester United, he was always super dedicated to the team and the fans. Now, Ronaldo is all about winning trophies, and that's understandable but also a bit frustrating for us fans who want to see him give it his all every game. And what's with this loan move to Al-Hilal? I mean, I get it, Karim Benzema is an awesome player and all 
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. I mean, Ronaldo's been playing for Al-Nassr since '22, wins the Arab Club Champions Cup, and now he's feeling undervalued? It's like he thinks he's above it all, just because of his market value 
. The PIF needs to get its act together and offer Ronaldo some real security, or he'll just jump ship to the next big thing 
. It's all about supply and demand, folks 
. If you want top talent, you gotta pay them 
I mean, who wouldn't want to win and leave on top? He's been there since '22 and has won the Arab Club Champions Cup but still can't get the recognition he deserves in the league itself. It's like, come on Saudi Pro League, step up your game! 
. I mean, the guy is already 41 and has won some big trophies with them, but it seems like he's losing interest 
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. But who knows? Maybe he'll surprise us all and still find a way to win it with Al-Nassr 
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I feel bad for Cristiano Ronaldo, he's been through so much lately... leaving Al-Nassr might be best option for him 
. Can't blame him wanting to win though, £177m salary ain't exactly chump change 
️. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what Ronaldo decides to do next 