The Saudi Pro League has issued a clear message about the independence of its clubs as speculation swirls around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al-Nassr. The league’s statement follows mounting reports of Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction, highlighted by his absence from Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league fixture against Al-Riyadh.
Portuguese media reported that the 41-year-old forward refused to play, citing frustrations with club management under the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Sources close to BBC Sport suggest that the recent transfer of Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, to league leaders Al-Hilal has intensified the Portuguese star’s discontent. Benzema, 38, made headlines with a hat-trick on his Al-Hilal debut, strengthening the club’s title bid and spotlighting the competitive rivalry at the top of Saudi football.
Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, the nation’s most decorated club, are owned by the PIF, which also controls English Premier League side Newcastle United. Despite Ronaldo’s social media post showing him back in training, uncertainty lingers over his involvement in the upcoming clash against Al-Ittihad.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson reaffirmed the league’s structure: “Every club operates independently under the same rules. Boards, executives, and football leadership make decisions on recruitment, spending, and strategy within a financial framework designed for sustainability and balance. That framework applies equally across the league.”
The spokesperson acknowledged Ronaldo’s impact since joining Al-Nassr in 2022, where he became football’s highest-paid player with an annual salary of £177 million. Despite that status, the league emphasized, “no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”
The league’s recent transfer activity, including Al-Hilal’s move for Benzema and Al-Nassr’s signing of Iraq U23 midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem, underscores club autonomy. The title race remains fierce, with Al-Hilal unbeaten atop the table and Al-Nassr close behind.
“The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself,” the spokesperson added. “With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. The focus remains on the pitch and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans.”
Ronaldo, who renewed his contract with Al-Nassr in June 2025, has so far collected just the Arab Club Champions Cup with the team. Rumors of a possible move to Al-Hilal had circulated before his contract extension, but for now, his future in Saudi football remains an open question—one that will be decided, the league insists, by club leadership, not superstar power.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
