RIYADH, February 2, 2026 — Cristiano Ronaldo is digging in his heels, refusing to play in another Saudi Pro League match as a dispute with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) escalates. The superstar forward boycotted Monday’s 1-0 win against Al Riyadh, and sources indicate he’s prepared to request a transfer in June if the situation isn’t resolved.
Ronaldo’s Standoff: A Power Play in the Saudi League?
The Portuguese icon is protesting perceived favoritism towards rival club Al Hilal and a lack of investment in his team, Al Nassr.
- Cristiano Ronaldo is refusing to play until the PIF addresses concerns about Al Nassr’s management and investment.
- Ronaldo reportedly attempted to block the transfer of Karim Benzema to Al Hilal, believing it unfairly benefits a rival team.
- If unresolved, Ronaldo may seek a transfer in June, despite having a contract with Al Nassr until 2027.
- Al Nassr’s sporting director and CEO were recently suspended by the PIF, fueling Ronaldo’s frustration.
The conflict centers on Ronaldo’s belief that the PIF is prioritizing Al Hilal, providing them with greater financial resources and favorable transfer opportunities. Sources say Ronaldo actively opposed the move of French star Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal on Monday, viewing it as a deliberate attempt to strengthen a competitor.
What’s driving Ronaldo’s discontent? The situation stems from recent decisions by the PIF, which suspended Al Nassr’s sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO José Semedo—both Portuguese—moves that angered Ronaldo and hampered the team’s ability to acquire key players under coach Jorge Jesus. Furthermore, Al Nassr has experienced a reduction in overall spending.
Al Hilal, meanwhile, has received a significant financial injection from Saudi prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Alsaud, allowing them to bolster their squad with high-profile signings like Benzema.
According to sources, all of Al Hilal’s recent acquisitions, including Benzema’s, were funded by Prince Al Waleed, who owns 25% of the club, with the PIF controlling the remaining 75%. Ronaldo, who has yet to secure a major trophy since joining Al Nassr in 2022, is reportedly “very angry” about the imbalance.
Despite receiving offers from clubs in Europe and the United States, Ronaldo is hesitant to leave, fearing it could disrupt his preparations for the World Cup. He extended his contract with Al Nassr last summer through June 2027, which includes a €50 million ($59m) release clause.
The Saudi Pro League is understandably keen to retain its biggest star. Sources indicate that Al Nassr and the PIF have promised substantial investments in the summer transfer window, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes being considered as a potential addition to the squad.
Al Hilal CEO Esteve Calzada expressed a lack of understanding regarding Al Nassr and Ronaldo’s frustrations. “You should ask them,” Calzada told Cadena Ser radio when questioned about Ronaldo’s anger. “We are focusing on ourselves. In the end, it’s not like they [Al Nassr] had a bad summer transfer window with João Félix [and Kingsley] Coman arriving.”
Calzada added, “There’s a rivalry and a passion in this country that I never would have imagined; I thought I’d seen it all. People have gone crazy with the [Benzema] signing.” Al Hilal currently holds a one-point lead over Al Nassr at the top of the Saudi Pro League table. Benzema, a key figure in Al Ittihad’s league and King’s Cup triumphs last season, has already made a significant impact.
“We were looking to sign a striker, and a unique opportunity came up,” Calzada said. “A Ballon d’Or winner, with a spectacular talent—the statistics speak for themselves. On top of that, he doesn’t have to adapt to our league. It all fell into place, it was made possible. We’re absolutely thrilled.”
Calzada emphasized that Benzema’s arrival extends beyond on-field performance. “We’re already seeing the results in the commercial and media content departments,” he said. “Even though it’s strictly a sporting signing, we’ve gotten to work to get the best possible return on our investment.”
Al Nassr is scheduled to face Al Ittihad on Friday.
