Cristiano Ronaldo's ongoing absence from Al Nassr's matchday squad has extended to a second successive fixture, with the Portuguese superstar notably missing from Friday night's Saudi Pro League encounter against Al Ittihad.
Second Consecutive Omission
The 41-year-old forward, who also did not feature in Monday's victory over Al Riyadh, was once again excluded from the team selection. This continued omission comes amid a reported dispute between Ronaldo and the club's hierarchy regarding their lack of activity during the January transfer window.
Transfer Frustrations Surface
Sources indicate the Portugal captain is deeply dissatisfied with Al Nassr's failure to strengthen the squad last month, particularly as rivals Al Hilal secured the high-profile signing of Karim Benzema from Real Madrid. Both clubs are majority-owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which Ronaldo believes has not invested sufficiently in his team's competitiveness.
League Issues Stern Warning
The Saudi Pro League has responded firmly to the situation, emphasising that no individual player holds sway over league-wide decisions. A spokesperson stated on Thursday: "The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules."
The spokesperson elaborated further, noting: "Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance."
Emphasis on Competitive Integrity
Addressing Ronaldo's concerns directly, the league representative added: "Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club's growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win. But no individual — however significant — determines decisions beyond their own club."
The statement concluded by highlighting the league's current competitive state: "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."
Implications for Al Nassr
Ronaldo's absence presents a significant challenge for Al Nassr as they navigate the latter stages of the season. The veteran forward has been instrumental to their attacking play since his arrival, and his dissatisfaction could impact team morale and performance during a crucial period in the title race.
The situation underscores the tension between individual star power and collective league governance in modern football, particularly in emerging competitions like the Saudi Pro League that are rapidly expanding their global profile through high-profile signings.
