The saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo shows no signs of easing in Saudi Arabia. It remains unclear when the Portuguese superstar will next feature for Al Nassr in a league match.
After missing the team’s last two games in Riyadh due to disputes with PIF officials and league administrators, Cristiano has continued attending training and participating alongside his teammates under coach Jorge Jesus.
Saudi Pro League Considers Punishment
Officials within the Saudi Pro League are reportedly weighing disciplinary measures against Ronaldo for refusing to play, despite having no injuries or medical concerns that would prevent him from taking the field. Asharq Al Awsat reports that the league is exploring both financial and sporting sanctions if Ronaldo persists in sitting out.
Fans and Club Back Cristiano
At Al Nassr’s latest home fixture against Al Ittihad, fans displayed visible support for Ronaldo. Supporters held up cards with his iconic No. 7, chanted his name, and teammate Angelo even celebrated a goal in the same style as the Portuguese star. The club appears firmly behind Cristiano during this standoff. Meanwhile, coach Jorge Jesus has declined to speak to the media for the third consecutive time, risking a financial penalty himself.
Asian Champions League Provides an Outlet
Amid the domestic league tensions, Al Nassr is preparing for the Asian Champions League Elite 2, the continent’s second-tier competition. The club faces Turkmenistan’s Arkadag in the first leg of the round of 16. So far, Cristiano has played only once in the tournament, in a home game on December 24. He could now potentially travel to Turkmenistan to participate, which may further strain relations with the Saudi league. Playing in Asia while skipping domestic matches highlights the ongoing friction between Ronaldo and league officials.
