Cristiano Ronaldo ‘goes on strike’ amid claims he is ‘refusing to play’ for Al Nassr

February 3, 2026 Oliver Obel

Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Al Nassr has come under renewed scrutiny amid reports of internal frustration tied to the club’s recent direction. As the Saudi Pro League season enters a decisive stretch, the 40-year-old forward is said to be increasingly dissatisfied with developments behind the scenes.

The situation has sparked broader discussion about how the final phase of Ronaldo’s club career and his role in Saudi football’s long-term project may ultimately unfold.

Contract status and career timeline

Ronaldo agreed to a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr last year, a deal that runs until the summer of 2026. That timeline aligns with what is widely expected to be his final major international appearance with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

Since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Ronaldo has been positioned as the most prominent face of the league’s global ambitions. His continued presence has been viewed as central to the Saudi Pro League’s efforts to attract international attention and elite talent.

Al Nassr are one of four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), alongside Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli a structure that has reshaped competitive dynamics within the league.

Transfer strategy frustration

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo has grown unhappy with Al Nassr’s approach to squad investment, particularly when compared with other PIF-backed rivals. The report says the forward has privately raised concerns about the club’s limited activity in the transfer market.

During the most recent winter window, Al Nassr completed only one permanent signing, adding Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. By contrast, rival clubs under the same ownership umbrella have been more aggressive in strengthening their squads.

A Bola reports that the tension has escalated to the point where Ronaldo has effectively withdrawn himself from selection, with the forward expected to miss Monday’s Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Riyadh.

Broader league context

Discontent among star players has not been confined to Al Nassr. At Al Ittihad, striker Karim Benzema has also been linked with dissatisfaction over contractual terms.

According to ESPN, the French forward felt “disrespected” after being presented with a proposed deal that relied heavily on image-rights payments rather than a traditional base salary. ESPN reported that the structure would have resulted in little to no guaranteed wages. Benzema, now 38, is said to be close to a move to Al Hilal.

Those developments are reported to have intensified Ronaldo’s frustration, particularly given the uneven pace of squad investment across the league’s top clubs.

Title race implications

On the pitch, Al Nassr sit second in the Saudi Pro League standings after 18 matches, three points behind leaders Al Hilal. Any prolonged absence from Ronaldo would have clear implications for their title challenge.

SPORTbible reported that it has contacted Ronaldo’s representatives for comment on the situation. Neither the player nor Al Nassr have publicly addressed the claims, leaving uncertainty over whether the dispute will be resolved quickly or develop into a longer-term issue.

Sources: A Bola, ESPN, SPORTbible