Cristiano Ronaldo: The face of Saudi football, the disrespect and what happens now…

Cristiano Ronaldo is prepared to quit Al-Nassr in June and end his career in Europe or the United States, according to reports.

Ronaldo’s frustration at what he perceives to be a lack of respect afforded to him in Saudi Arabia has boiled over in recent days and he made himself unavailable for yesterday’s 1-0 win at Al-Riyadh.

Al-Nassr’s next game is on Friday as they continue their battle for the Pro League title. 

What has caused Ronaldo’s frustration?

Essentially, it’s Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) own both clubs, as well as Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli. Al-Hilal are a point clear at the top of the Pro League and Ronaldo believes PIF are giving them a helping hand in the title race by allowing them to sign his former Real Madrid team-mate. Al-Hilal have also signed the likes of Kader Meite and Saimon Bouabre in the January window. Al-Nassr were permitted two low-key arrivals in Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Haydeer Abdulkareem.

Why does Ronaldo feel disrespected?

Ronaldo has been the face of Saudi Arabia’s bid to become major players in world football ever since moving to the Middle East in 2022. He is seen as the man who opened the doors for the likes of Benzema, Sadio Mane, Neymar and Ruben Neves to follow. Ronaldo has frequently talked up Saudi and even accompanied crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on a backslapping trip to the White House to meet US president Donald Trump in November 2025.

What has been said publicly?

Very little. Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus was expected to provide some clarity on Ronaldo’s situation after the game yesterday but the club’s players and coaching staff opted for a media blackout. The culture in Saudi Arabia means public criticism of any organisation with links to the royal family – Bin Salman is PIF chairman – is highly unlikely.

What is Ronaldo’s contractual situation?

Ronaldo signed a new contract with Al-Nassr in June last year that runs until June 2027 when he will be 42 years of age. It is worth a reported £488k a day. However, reports in Portugal suggest the deal has a clause that enables the former Manchester United man to leave for €50m in June. Spending that amount on a player with no sell-on value and past his best would be folly until you realise the revenue that Ronaldo generates.

What are Ronaldo’s options?

Ronaldo’s obvious unhappiness will be making those in Saudi’s well-oiled PR machine uneasy. Having someone of that global popularity questioning PIF’s methods in actions, not words, will not go down well and it is sure they will be working hard to find a resolution. What form that takes is more difficult to predict. The transfer window is now shut so PIF cannot fund a major arrival to appease Ronaldo.
So, the 40-year-old has to either suck it up or outline his intention to move on. His availability for the game with Al-Ittihad in three days’ time should give us more of a clue.

If he does go, where could he end up?

Ronaldo will have to take a huge pay cut if he leaves Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest clubs in Major League Soccer would be interested and there may be scope for a similar deal to that enjoyed by Lionel Messi – Ronaldo’s great rival – at Inter Miami. The Argentinian’s wages are complemented by lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Apple.
His options in Europe are not exactly clear cut. A move back to Real Madrid is not likely while Florentino Perez remains president while it is inconceivable Manchester United would contemplate a third spell at Old Trafford.
He could opt to retire after this summer’s World Cup but he has already stated his desire to reach 1,000 career goals.