Football superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone on strike at Saudi Pro League side Al‑Nassr, choosing to make himself unavailable for his team’s upcoming fixture against local rivals Al-Riyadh.
Portuguese media and football insiders say Ronaldo’s decision is driven by mounting frustration over the club’s transfer activity or lack thereof, during the current window.
With the team trailing rivals like Al-Hilal in the title race, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is said to be unhappy with how the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls several Pro League clubs, has managed Al-Nassr’s recruitment compared with other teams.
Ronaldo’s growing discontent comes as Al-Nassr have added just one young midfielder in the January transfer period, while competitors such as Al-Hilal have strengthened their squads with multiple signings.
Reports suggest the Portugal captain believes this imbalance undermined his side’s title ambitions and has opted to signal his displeasure by ruling himself out of selection.
Sources close to the situation indicate Ronaldo has made himself unavailable for the scheduled Saudi Pro League match, despite being fully fit and not carrying any injury, effectively boycotting the team’s preparations.
The move mirrors a similar standoff involving veteran forward Karim Benzema at another Saudi side, highlighting broader tensions between star players and their clubs over contract and transfer issues in the league.
Ronaldo signed a contract extension with Al-Nassr in 2025 that runs until 2027 and remains one of the most prolific scorers in the division.
He has continued to find the net regularly this season, adding to a remarkable career tally that stretches across more than two decades.
