Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone on strike at Al-Nassr in protest at the club's transfer inactivity, a move that underlines both his personal frustration and the wider pressure surrounding Saudi football's flagship project.
At 40, Ronaldo remains Al-Nassr's talisman, scoring 17 goals in 18 Saudi Pro League appearances this season, a return that highlights his continued elite-level productivity. Despite his form, Al-Nassr trail leaders Al Hilal by three points, raising the prospect of another campaign without major silverware for the Portuguese forward. A few months earlier, Ronaldo had publicly stated that scoring was easier for him in La Liga than in Saudi Arabia, a remark that hinted at his high standards and perhaps a simmering dissatisfaction
beneath the surface.
Why has Cristiano Ronaldo gone on Strike at Al Nassr?
The situation appears to have escalated with news that Karim Benzema is on the verge of joining Al Hilal, a direct rival both domestically and in terms of star power. Reports indicate that Benzema's imminent arrival in Riyadh, but at Al Hilal rather than Al-Nassr, has angered Ronaldo, who feels his own club has not matched that ambition in the winter transfer window. While Al Hilal strengthen further at the top of the table, Al-Nassr's relative inactivity has reportedly left Ronaldo feeling unsupported in his pursuit of trophies and competitive parity.
In response, Ronaldo has decided to withdraw his services and go on strike with immediate effect, effectively using his status to force the issue over squad reinforcement. As a consequence, he will not feature in Al-Nassr's upcoming Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Riyadh on Monday, and it remains uncertain whether this stance will extend to subsequent matches.
For now, his intention is to stay away from involvement until there is a change in the club's approach or concrete movement in the transfer market.
What could happen next for Cristiano Ronaldo
The situation now hinges on whether Al-Nassr respond in the transfer market before the window fully closes, potentially addressing Ronaldo's concerns. If the club manage to secure significant reinforcements, there is an expectation that Ronaldo, determined to finish the Saudi season with silverware, could end his strike and return to the team immediately
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