Cristiano Ronaldo Absent for Second Consecutive Al-Nassr Match
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been omitted from the Al-Nassr squad for the second Saudi Pro League game in a row, fueling intense debate over his tenure with the club. This development comes despite Ronaldo being in full fitness, as evidenced by his participation in a training session prior to the match.
Al-Nassr Secures Victory Without Star Player
In a crucial fixture on Friday, Al-Nassr managed to secure a 2-0 victory over defending champions Al-Ittihad, even without Ronaldo on the field. The win was powered by goals from Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel, showcasing the team's depth and resilience in the absence of their marquee player.
During the match, Al-Nassr fans displayed their unwavering support for Ronaldo by holding up yellow signs bearing his name and iconic number seven in the seventh minute, a heartfelt tribute that highlighted his enduring popularity among supporters.
Transfer Turmoil and League Statements
Media reports from the UK have indicated that the Saudi Pro League is prepared to offload Ronaldo for a sum of £43 million. This potential move follows Ronaldo's reported dissatisfaction with the club's lack of backing in the transfer window from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns rival clubs Al Hilal, Al Ahli, and Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo's grievances stem from Al Hilal's successful acquisition of Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad, while Al-Nassr only managed to sign young Iraqi midfielder Hayder Abdulkareem during the January transfer period. Notably, a Sky Sports report clarified that Benzema's transfer was financed by private billionaire Saudi investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, rather than the league or PIF, suggesting Al-Nassr could pursue similar private investments.
The decision to exclude Ronaldo for a second time this week coincided with a strong statement from the Saudi Pro League, emphasizing that "no player was bigger than the league." Although Ronaldo was not explicitly named, the league reiterated its commitment to a structured framework where clubs operate independently under uniform rules, with decisions on recruitment and strategy resting solely with individual clubs to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.
This ongoing situation raises significant questions about Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr and his role within the evolving landscape of the Saudi Pro League, as fans and analysts alike watch closely for further developments.
