"Cristiano Ronaldo's future at Al-Nassr has been plunged into doubt after he was left out of their squad for Monday's Saudi Pro League game against Al-Riyadh. Portuguese outlet A Bola, external reported the 40-year-old is refusing to play, having grown dissatisfied with how the club is being run by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal - the country's most successful club with 19 league titles - are among those controlled by the PIF, which also backs Newcastle United."
"Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United mid-season, becoming the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of 177m, but has only won the Arab Club Champions Cup with them. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner signed a new two-year contract in June 2025. Before he agreed the new deal, however, there was speculation he might leave Al-Nassr with a loan move to rivals Al-Hilal among those touted."
"The Portugal captain has been the league's top scorer in its two most recent editions with 35 and 25 goals. After being named the Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards in December, Ronaldo said: "You know what my goal is. "I want to win trophies and I want to reach that number [1,000 goals] that you all know. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries.""
Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al-Nassr's squad and is reportedly refusing to play because he is dissatisfied with how the club is run by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are controlled by the PIF, which also backs Newcastle United. Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 from Manchester United on a record annual salary of 177m and has won only the Arab Club Champions Cup with the club. He signed a new two-year contract in June 2025 amid prior speculation about a loan to Al-Hilal. Ronaldo has scored prolifically but trophies have been scarce, with league runner-up finishes and a King's Cup final defeat.
Read at www.bbc.com
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