Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly taken the dramatic step of going on strike ahead of his club Al-Nassr's next fixture in Saudi Arabia, according to a detailed report from Portuguese outlet A Bola. The 40-year-old icon, who commands a historic salary of approximately £488,000 per day, is said to be deeply dissatisfied with the management practices of Saudi Arabia's powerful Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Financial Discontent Sparks Strike Action
Al-Nassr are scheduled to face local rivals Al-Riyadh on Monday, but they may now be forced to compete without their influential captain. Ronaldo has been a prolific performer this season, netting 18 goals across 22 appearances in all competitions. However, his on-field contributions have been overshadowed by growing concerns about off-pitch financial management.
According to sources within the club who spoke to A Bola, Ronaldo's primary grievance centres on what he perceives as unequal treatment from the PIF. The sovereign wealth fund controls a substantial 75 per cent stake in four prominent Saudi Pro League clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Ronaldo's own Al-Nassr. This financial backing has been instrumental in transforming the league into a global football destination, attracting elite talent with unprecedented contracts.
Transfer Market Imbalances Under Scrutiny
Since Ronaldo's landmark move to Al-Nassr in 2023, the Saudi Pro League has witnessed an influx of star players, including Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Riyad Mahrez, who joined Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli respectively. While all four PIF-backed clubs have continued to strengthen their squads, Ronaldo believes Al-Nassr has not received equitable support in the transfer market compared to their rivals.
The Portuguese legend contends that manager Jorge Jesus has not been provided with adequate reinforcements, particularly when contrasted with the aggressive recruitment strategy of Al-Hilal. During the recent January transfer window, Al-Nassr's sole acquisition was 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. In stark contrast, Al-Hilal secured Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7 million and invested £26 million in Rennes forward Kader Meite. Furthermore, reports indicate that Simone Inzaghi's side are close to finalising another £26 million deal for Neom star Saimon Bouabre.
Managerial Controversy and Political Power Dynamics
Last month, Jorge Jesus publicly highlighted these financial disparities, arguing that Al-Nassr "does not have the political power of Al-Hilal," a club he previously managed. These explosive comments prompted Al-Hilal to formally request that the Saudi Pro League suspend Jesus for a period ranging from six months to a year, escalating tensions within the league.
Ronaldo, who has yet to secure a domestic trophy with Al-Nassr, appears to be aligning himself with his manager's concerns. The strike action represents a significant escalation in his protest against the PIF's perceived favouritism. This development raises serious questions about the governance and equity within the Saudi Pro League, as one of football's most iconic figures challenges the financial structures that underpin the competition's rapid growth.
The situation underscores the complex interplay between sport, finance, and politics in modern football. As Al-Nassr prepare for their upcoming match, the absence of their captain could have profound implications for both the team's performance and the broader narrative surrounding Saudi Arabia's ambitious football project.
