Cristiano Ronaldo received a response from the Saudi Pro League, emphasizing that “no individual—regardless of their importance—shapes decisions beyond their own club,” in light of ongoing tensions surrounding transfer expenditures.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward is dissatisfied with Al Nassr‘s inactivity during the January transfer window.
According to ESPN sources, Ronaldo is poised to skip a second consecutive league game due to a lack of assurance that the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) will implement changes to the club’s management.
– Sources: Ronaldo to boycott 2nd Al Nassr game in protest of PIF
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Nevertheless, sources indicate that Al Nassr expects Ronaldo to participate in Friday’s match against Al Ittihad after missing a game on Monday against Al Riyadh.
Ronaldo expresses frustration with the PIF for not investing in the team during the winter transfer window while rival club Al Hilal—which is also 75% owned by the PIF—brought in his former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
In a statement issued Thursday evening, the league reiterated that each club operates independently regarding its financial management.
“The Saudi Pro League operates on a fundamental principle: Each club manages itself independently under the same regulations,” a league spokesperson stated. “Clubs have distinct boards, executives, and football leadership. Decisions regarding recruitment, spending, and strategy rely on individual clubs, within a financial framework aimed at ensuring sustainability and competitive balance. This framework applies uniformly across the league.”
“Cristiano has actively engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played a vital role in the club’s ambition and development. Like any top competitor, he has a desire to win. However, no individual—regardless of their stature—sets decisions outside their club.”
“Recent transfer activities illustrate that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular manner while another opted for a different strategy. These were unique club decisions made within approved financial parameters.”
“The competitiveness of the league is evident, with just a few points between the top four. The title race remains very much alive. This level of equilibrium reflects a system functioning as intended.”
“Our focus remains on football — on the pitch, where it belongs — and on sustaining a credible and competitive league for players and fans.”
It is understood that transfer funds are not sourced from the PIF but instead from a centrally managed player acquisition fund.
This fund is managed by the Saudi Pro League and allocates yearly funding to clubs based on their size. The leading four clubs – Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli – are believed to receive similar amounts before the summer transfer window commences.
Al Nassr made significant investments during that window, signing João Félix and Kingsley Coman, and re-signing Ronaldo on a new deal extending to June 2027.
These moves are understood to have utilized a significant portion of their player acquisition budget until they receive the next funding allocation before the 2026 summer transfer window opens.
In contrast, Al Hilal’s acquisition of Benzema was funded independently by a private investor, an option Al Nassr could have pursued but chose not to.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability for Friday’s match, Al Nassr commemorated Ronaldo’s birthday with an enthusiastic tribute on X.
“The legend expands. Your dedication, mindset, and leadership propel our aspirations. Happy Birthday @Cristiano!” the Al Nassr post proclaimed.
ESPN’s Bruno Andrade, Julien Laurens, and PA contributed to this report.