Cristiano Ronaldo will not participate in Al Nassr‘s upcoming match in the Saudi Pro League against Al Riyadh due to frustrations over the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) limited transfer activities at the club compared to other PIF-owned teams, sources reveal to ESPN.
The 40-year-old forward has netted 91 goals across 95 league matches since joining the Riyadh-based team in 2023 and is reportedly discontent with Al Nassr’s inability to bring in key signings to bolster their title challenge.
This news comes as Al Hilal, Al Nassr’s primary competitor and current league leaders, are nearing a deal for Karim Benzema, a forward from Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo is not dealing with any injuries or illness and remains in good standing with manager Jorge Jesus.
Iraq under-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem this January, who has yet to debut.
In contrast, Al Hilal has already signed 18-year-old forward Mohamed Meïté from Stade Rennais, former Arsenal defender Pablo Marí from Fiorentina, and Saudi internationals Murad Al-Hawsawi and Sultan Mandash from Al Khaleej and Al Taawoun, with Benzema likely to be their fifth notable signing this window.
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Jesus expressed earlier optimism regarding potential transfers, stating, “I discussed the winter transfer window. We currently have no spots available for foreign players, and Al Nassr’s financial state restricts us — I hope one or two, maybe three, players can join us.”
Ronaldo, who will celebrate his 41st birthday on Thursday, renewed his contract in June, ensuring his stay at Al Nassr until at least June 2027.