Cristiano Ronaldo did not feature in the Al-Nassr squad for their Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh on Monday, February 2, 2026. The club officially stated his absence was for "load management". However, reports from Portuguese outlet A Bola and other sources indicate the forward is dissatisfied with the Saudi Public Investment Fund's (PIF) management of Al-Nassr.
Sources suggest Ronaldo is unhappy with the perceived lack of transfer activity and reinforcements at Al-Nassr compared to rival clubs, such as Al-Hilal, also owned by the PIF. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Ronaldo's absence was not due to any physical problem or fitness management. Al-Nassr currently sits second in the league, three points behind leaders Al-Hilal. Ronaldo, aged 40, is the team's top scorer with seventeen goals this season. He is expected to return for Al-Nassr's next league fixture against Al-Ittihad on Friday.
