In a dramatic development that has sent shockwaves through the football world, global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly initiated a strike and is refusing to play for his Saudi Arabian club, Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old Portuguese icon, who commands a staggering daily wage of approximately £488,000, is said to be deeply dissatisfied with the financial management and strategic direction of the club under the oversight of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Impending Match Absence and Contractual Context
This contentious situation places Al-Nassr in a precarious position as they prepare for their upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture against local rivals Al-Riyadh on Monday. The club now faces the potential absence of their captain, who has been in formidable form this season, netting 18 goals across 22 appearances in all competitions. Ronaldo's monumental contract, signed upon his high-profile move to Riyadh in 2023, positioned him as the trailblazer for a wave of elite talent migrating to the Gulf nation.
Core of the Dispute: PIF's Management and Perceived Inequality
According to reports from the Portuguese publication A Bola, citing an unnamed club source, Ronaldo's primary grievance centers on the manner in which the PIF is handling Al-Nassr's financial affairs. The sovereign fund controls a dominant 75 percent stake in four major Saudi Pro League clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr itself. While the PIF's substantial investments have been instrumental in transforming the league into a global attraction, luring stars like Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Riyad Mahrez with lucrative deals, Ronaldo believes his club is not receiving equitable treatment.
The football legend contends that Al-Nassr has been consistently disadvantaged in the transfer market compared to its PIF-owned rivals. He specifically points to the situation of manager Jorge Jesus, who he feels has not been provided with adequate squad reinforcements to compete effectively. This season, Ronaldo remains without a domestic trophy at Al-Nassr, a fact that likely fuels his frustration over the club's competitive standing.
Transfer Market Disparities Highlight the Issue
The recent January transfer window starkly illustrates the perceived imbalance. Al-Nassr's sole acquisition was 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, a relatively low-profile signing. In stark contrast, rival club Al-Hilal, also under PIF control, secured Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7 million and invested a further £26 million in Rennes forward Kader Meite. Furthermore, reports indicate that Al-Hilal, managed by Simone Inzaghi, is on the verge of finalizing another significant £26 million deal for Neom star Saimon Bouabre.
This disparity in transfer activity and financial backing is at the heart of Ronaldo's protest. His decision to go on strike represents an unprecedented challenge to the PIF's management model, raising critical questions about resource allocation and competitive fairness within the Saudi Pro League's ambitious project.
