Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in Al Nassr's squad for the Saudi Pro League match against Al Riyadh on Monday, February 2, 2026.
He was not happy with the lack of PIF (Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund) transfer activity at Al Nassr compared to other clubs under the auspices of the investor.
The Portuguese striker, who has now scored 91 goals in 95 Saudi Pro League matches since joining Al Nassr in 2023, is reportedly frustrated that his team failed to add any significant new players in their bid to win the title.
This happened when Al Hilal, Al Nassr's main rival, who is currently at the top of the standings, is almost completing the recruitment of French striker Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad.
Ronaldo has no injury problems, nor is he ill or disliked by Manager Jorge Jesus.
Launching ESPN, the 40-year-old player stated that he was not willing to play in the match against Al Riyadh due to personal disappointment with PIF, who effectively decided to strike out at least for the match on Monday.
Al Nassr, who are third in the Saudi Pro League standings, three points behind Al Hilal, only signed Iraq U-23 midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem in January 2026, who is still waiting to make his debut for the club.
On the other hand, Al Hilal has brought in an 18-year-old striker, Mohamed Meite from Stade Rennais, and former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari from Fiorentina, as well as Saudi Arabia internationals Murad Al-Hawsawi and Sultan Mandash from Al Khaleej and Al Taawoun. The latter is Benzema, who will be Al Hilal's fifth major recruit in the transfer market this time.
Jesus previously said he hoped there would be transfer activity.
"I'm talking about the winter period. We don't have a vacancy for foreign players. The financial situation at Al Nassr is not good and not possible."
"I hope one or two, maybe three players can join us," Jesus said.
Ronaldo, who will turn 41 on Thursday, February 5, 2026, signed a new contract in June 2025, which will keep him at Al Nassr at least until June 2027.
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