Ronaldo Frustrated as Al-Nassr FC Lags Behind Al Hilal in Transfers

January 3, 2026: Is Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with Al-Nassr FC starting to worsen? Recent reports suggest there may be problems. Al-Nassr FC will face Al Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League today at 9:15 PM Bangladesh time, but Portuguese media outlet A Bola reports that Ronaldo has decided not to play in the match.

At first, it was said that the 39-year-old star was being rested before the big match against Al Ittihad on Friday. However, new reports say there is no fitness issue behind his absence.

A source at Al-Nassr FC told A Bola that Ronaldo is very unhappy with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls the top clubs in the country. Ronaldo feels that rival club Al Hilal is getting more support than Al-Nassr FC.

As team captain, Ronaldo is unhappy with the level of investment at the club. Al-Nassr FC, coached by Jorge Jesus, has not signed many quality players. During the winter transfer window, the club signed only one player — 21-year-old midfielder Haider Abdul Karim from Iraq.

Ronaldo Unhappy as Al-Nassr FC Falls Behind in Transfers

Al-Nassr FC has two Portuguese officials in its management — Simeone Coutinho (Sporting Director) and Jose Semedo (CEO). But their power has been limited since the start of this month. Ronaldo is unhappy with the board’s decisions. He feels Al-Nassr FC is far behind rivals Al Hilal in the transfer market.

For example, Al Hilal signed Pablo Mari from Fiorentina and is spending 30 million euros to bring in young French forward Kader Meite from Rennes.

Ronaldo’s Frustration Grows

Ronaldo’s mood worsened after news that Karim Benzema might leave Al Ittihad to join Al Hilal. Italian coach Simone Inzaghi’s team, Al Hilal, is also spending 30 million euros to sign Simon Bouabre.

This is not the first sign of trouble at Al-Nassr FC. In mid-January, coach Jorge Jesus said, “Al-Nassr’s political power is not as strong as Al Hilal’s.” After this comment, Al Hilal authorities asked for Jesus to be banned for six months to one year.