RONALDO GOES ROGUE: CR7 Boycotts Match in Protest Against PIF as Al-Nassr Grinds Out Win
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo vanished. With the Saudi Pro League title race on a knife-edge, the 40-year-old superstar was conspicuously absent from Al-Nassr’s squad on Monday night, following through on threats to protest the club’s transfer stagnation. Yet, even without their talisman, the Knights of Najd scraped a massive 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh, keeping their championship hopes breathing thanks to a Sadio Mané volley.
The Strike Heard ‘Round the Kingdom
This wasn’t an injury scratch. Sources confirmed to CBS Sports and other outlets that Ronaldo’s omission was a calculated move—a personal strike against the Public Investment Fund (PIF) management. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly fuming over what he perceives as a lack of parity between Al-Nassr and rival PIF-owned giants, specifically league-leaders Al-Hilal.
While Al-Hilal has been linked with blockbuster moves, including a shock swoop for Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema, Al-Nassr’s January window has been eerily quiet regarding marquee talent. Ronaldo, who has 18 months left on his contract through June 2027, views this inactivity as a surrender of the title.
Mane Saves the Day
On the pitch, the tension was palpable. Head coach Jorge Jesus—who controversially took the Al-Nassr reins last summer—scrambled to adjust his XI. The result wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. In the 39th minute, Sadio Mané stepped into the void, hammering a clinical volley past Al-Riyadh goalkeeper Milan Borjan. The strike secured three critical points, preventing Al-Hilal from running away with the league.
Key Stats:
- Possession: Al-Nassr 62% – 38% Al-Riyadh
- Shots on Target: Al-Nassr 4, Al-Riyadh 0
- Ronaldo’s Status: 0 Minutes (Not in Squad)
“His absence is not related to any physical issue nor to workload or fitness management. The team focused on the game. Sadio gave us the moment we needed. We act as professionals.” — Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr Head Coach (Post-Match Press Conference)
The Benzema Factor & What’s Next
The frustration boils down to the murky waters of multi-club ownership. Al-Hilal’s pursuit of Karim Benzema—a move that would essentially transfer a Ballon d’Or winner from one rival to another to strengthen the league leaders—has reportedly ruptured Ronaldo’s patience. If PIF sanctions a Benzema move to Al-Hilal while Al-Nassr stands pat, the Portuguese icon believes the competitive balance is compromised.
With the transfer window slamming shut Monday night, Al-Nassr executives are scrambling. If they don’t land a deadline-day miracle to appease their captain, this boycott could escalate into a full-blown exit strategy, despite his contract status.
Up Next: Al-Nassr faces Al-Ahli on Friday. All eyes will be on the team sheet. Will Ronaldo return, or has the war with PIF just begun?
