The football world is reeling as reports surface that Cristiano Ronaldo has officially refused to take the pitch for Al Nassr in their Matchday 20 clash against Al Riyadh. What was initially rumored to be a “rest day” has escalated into a high-stakes standoff between the global icon and the club’s hierarchy.
Why is Cristiano Ronaldo Not Playing?
According to the Portuguese sports outlet A Bola, the strike is a direct protest against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Despite Al Nassr’s title ambitions, the club has had a stagnant winter transfer window, while rivals like Al Hilal continue to receive massive reinforcements.
Key Points of the Conflict:
- Transfer Inequality: Ronaldo is reportedly “furious” that Al Nassr only signed 21-year-old Haydeer Abdulkareem, while rivals are linked to legends like Karim Benzema.
- Internal Friction: The recent freezing of powers for CEO José Semedo and Sporting Director Simão Coutinho—two of Ronaldo’s key allies—has left the captain feeling isolated.
- No Injury: Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the absence is “not related to any physical issue nor to workload,” cementing the narrative of a calculated protest.
Cristiano Ronaldo is furious with the Saudi Government Fund as he feels Al Nassr aren't getting a fair treatment.
— 365Scores (@365Scores) February 2, 2026
The superstar REFUSED to play for Al Nassr today! pic.twitter.com/mubLznYGiV
Statistical Breakdown: The CR7 Impact
Losing Ronaldo isn’t just a blow to morale; it’s a statistical disaster for Al Nassr. As he approaches his 41st birthday on February 5, his output remains elite.
Pro Insight: Ronaldo’s Avg. Impact Rating (Avg. IR) of 52.38 on 365Scores highlights his role as the league’s most influential player. This metric proves that more than half of Al Nassr’s successful offensive transitions involve the Portuguese superstar.
Saudi Pro League News: What’s Next?
With Al Ittihad looming on Friday, the timing of this rift couldn’t be worse. If the PIF does not address Ronaldo’s concerns regarding the squad’s competitiveness, the most famous signing in Saudi Pro League history could be looking for an early exit.
How to Follow the Story
Fans can track the fallout, live squad updates, and the “Race to 1,000 Goals” by following Cristiano Ronaldo’s live profile on 365Scores.
