Why Was Ronaldo Omitted from Al-Nassr's Squad? Discover What's Happening in Saudi Arabia!

Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr is uncertain following his exclusion from the squad for the Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh. The 40-year-old, who was the league's top scorer for the 2024-25 season with 25 goals, reportedly feels dissatisfied with the club's management under Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). His contract extension in June 2025 raised speculation about a potential move, but recent developments may prompt further discussions about his future at the club.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ronaldo's absence from the squad for the match against Al-Riyadh has raised eyebrows and stirred speculation about his commitment to Al-Nassr. Reports indicate that his growing dissatisfaction with the PIF's management of the club is a significant factor in his decision to refuse to play. This situation follows a series of disappointments for Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, where despite his goal-scoring prowess, the team has struggled to secure major trophies.

Key takeaways

Cristiano Ronaldo was the top scorer in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League with 25 goals.
His exclusion from the squad against Al-Riyadh signals potential unrest at Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with club management is reportedly influencing his future decisions.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines key developments in Cristiano Ronaldo's career at Al-Nassr and broader context within Saudi football:

January 2022: Ronaldo joins Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United.
August 2023: Ronaldo helps Al-Nassr win the Arab Club Champions Cup.
June 2025: Ronaldo signs a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr.
October 2023: Ronaldo is left out of the squad for a crucial match against Al-Riyadh.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent reports indicate that Ronaldo has refused to play in the match against Al-Riyadh, suggesting increased tensions between him and the club management. This development comes amid ongoing speculation about his future, with discussions of a potential loan move to Al-Hilal resurfacing.

What was already established

Ronaldo has been a prolific scorer for Al-Nassr, leading the league in scoring in the last two seasons. However, the club has struggled to translate his individual success into major team trophies, with the Arab Club Champions Cup being the only title under his belt as of now.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans of Premier League clubs and football in general, Ronaldo's situation could impact viewership and engagement with the Saudi Pro League. His potential departure or continued unrest might deter fans from following Al-Nassr closely, affecting merchandise sales and television ratings.

Businesses and jobs

Ronaldo's presence in the Saudi Pro League has drawn international attention, which benefits local businesses and tourism. However, if he leaves or becomes a less active participant, the economic boost associated with his celebrity status could diminish.

Policy and regulation

The PIF's management of Al-Nassr and other clubs has implications for sports policy in Saudi Arabia. As they shift towards more sustainable spending practices, the financial landscape of the league may change, affecting player acquisitions and salaries.

Numbers that matter

25 goals: The number of goals Ronaldo scored in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, making him the top scorer.
£177m: Ronaldo's annual salary, making him the highest-paid football player in history.
1: The number of trophies Ronaldo has won with Al-Nassr, the Arab Club Champions Cup.
39: The number of goals Ronaldo needs to reach his career milestone of 1,000 goals.

Definitions and jargon buster

PIF: Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia, which controls Al-Nassr and other major clubs.
Arab Club Champions Cup: A prestigious tournament in Arab football, which Ronaldo won with Al-Nassr in 2023.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Ronaldo's situation at Al-Nassr will likely be closely monitored as the club navigates its management issues and prepares for upcoming matches. His participation in these games could hinge on resolving tensions with the PIF.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, Ronaldo's future may depend on the club's performance, potential player acquisitions, and whether he feels the club is capable of winning more silverware. His legacy and desire for trophies will likely weigh heavily on his decisions.

Signals to watch

Ronaldo's inclusion in future match squads could indicate his commitment to Al-Nassr.
Performance of Al-Nassr in the league and cup competitions will be critical.
Public statements from Ronaldo or Al-Nassr management regarding his future plans.

Practical guidance

Do

Keep track of Ronaldo's performance and any public comments regarding his future.
Follow Al-Nassr's matches to gauge the team's performance without Ronaldo.

Don’t

Assume that Ronaldo's absence from one match indicates an imminent transfer.
Overlook the impact of team dynamics on player performance and satisfaction.

Checklist

Monitor Al-Nassr's league standings and trophy pursuits.
Stay updated on transfer news and managerial decisions affecting the club.
Evaluate Ronaldo's contributions and potential legacy in Saudi football.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There remains considerable uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr. The dynamics within the club, the influence of the PIF, and potential changes in player personnel could significantly impact his decisions. As such, fans and analysts alike should approach any developments with caution.

Bottom line

Ronaldo's situation at Al-Nassr is precarious, with his recent refusal to play highlighting broader issues within the club. As a player who has consistently sought to win trophies, the lack of success and his discontent with management may lead to significant changes in the near future. It remains to be seen how this saga will unfold, but it could have lasting implications for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.

FAQs

What is Cristiano Ronaldo's current status at Al-Nassr?

Ronaldo is currently facing uncertainty at Al-Nassr after being left out of the squad due to dissatisfaction with the club's management by the Public Investment Fund.

How many goals did Ronaldo score in the 2024-25 season?

Ronaldo was the top scorer in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League, netting 25 goals throughout the season.

What trophies has Ronaldo won with Al-Nassr?

The only trophy Ronaldo has won with Al-Nassr is the Arab Club Champions Cup, achieved in 2023.