Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is facing uncertainty following reports that he was excluded from the squad for a recent Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh. Portuguese media outlet A Bola indicated that the prominent player is reluctant to participate, citing his growing discontent with the club's operations, which are overseen by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the nation's most decorated club with 19 league titles, are part of the PIF's extensive sports portfolio, which also includes ownership of Newcastle United. Ronaldo's arrival at Al-Nassr in 2022, following his departure from Manchester United, made him the highest-paid footballer globally, with an annual salary of £177 million, yet his trophy cabinet with the club holds only the Arab Club Champions Cup.
Despite his remarkable scoring record, including being the top scorer in the last two Saudi Pro League seasons with 35 and 25 goals respectively, Ronaldo's team has struggled to secure significant titles. Al-Nassr finished as league runners-up in his initial two seasons and placed third last season, considerably behind champions Al-Ittihad. Their performance in other competitions has also been underwhelming, with a King's Cup final loss to Al-Hilal and an early exit from the Asian Champions League Elite, leading to qualification for the lower-tier Asian Champions League Two. This contrasts sharply with the success of domestic rivals like Al-Ahli, who secured the Asian championship with a star-studded squad. Ronaldo's frustration is palpable as he observes former teammates lifting league titles in Saudi Arabia, while his own club struggles for silverware.
The current developments at Al-Nassr align with a broader recalibration of Saudi Arabia's sports investment strategy. The country's 'big four' clubs—Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Nassr—have all seen substantial investment since PIF's acquisition in 2023, with Saudi clubs collectively spending approximately £700 million in the 2023 summer transfer window. However, recent announcements from the country's ministry of sport in July 2025 signal a shift towards a more financially prudent and sustainable model for clubs, influencing their spending habits. This change is evident as Al-Nassr's transfer activity has been relatively subdued, especially in comparison to rivals like Al-Hilal, who have continued to strengthen their squad. The indefinite postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Neom, coupled with reports of scaled-down ambitions for the Neom city project itself, further suggest a more cautious approach to large-scale investments.
The situation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr serves as a compelling narrative within the evolving landscape of global football and sports investment. It underscores that even with unparalleled talent and immense financial backing, success is not guaranteed without cohesive strategy and effective management. This saga highlights the importance of aligning individual ambition with collective team goals, and it offers a valuable lesson in adaptability and resilience for both players and organizations in the dynamic world of professional sports.