Cristiano Ronaldo's Ongoing Strike Sees Him Miss Second Consecutive Al Nassr Fixture
The Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has now missed two successive matches for his Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, as his reported strike action continues unabated. The 41-year-old forward, despite returning to training earlier this week, was conspicuously absent from the matchday squad selected by manager Jorge Jesus for Friday's crucial encounter against Al Ittihad.
Growing Concerns Over Financial Backing and League Image
According to sources at Sky Sports News, Ronaldo's prolonged absence is reportedly rooted in his belief that Al Nassr are not receiving the same level of financial support as their title rivals Al Hilal. Both clubs fall under the ownership of Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, The Public Investment Fund (PIF), yet the five-time Ballon d'Or winner feels this backing is not being distributed equally.
Football officials within the Saudi Pro League had hoped Ronaldo would feature in Friday's high-profile fixture, viewing it as too significant an occasion to miss. There is mounting concern that his ongoing strike is damaging the league's reputation and global image, potentially undermining its credibility as a competitive destination for elite football talent.
Al Nassr Secure Victory Without Their Star Player
In Ronaldo's absence, Al Nassr demonstrated their resilience by securing a 2-0 victory over Al Ittihad. The goals came from Sadio Mane and Angelo Gabriel, marking the team's second consecutive win without their marquee signing. This result leaves Al Nassr in second place within the Saudi Pro League standings, just one point behind leaders Al Hilal.
Ronaldo, who is reportedly earning an astonishing £500,000 per day in the Middle East, still has 18 months remaining on his current contract. His absence raises questions about his long-term commitment to the club and the league's ambitious project.
Saudi Pro League Issues Firm Statement on Club Independence
Prior to the match, the Saudi Pro League released a public statement addressing the situation, emphasising the league's structure and the independence of its member clubs. A spokesperson stated: "The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules. Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership."
The statement continued: "Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. That framework applies equally across the league." It was made clear that no individual, regardless of their stature, can dictate decisions beyond their own club's boundaries.
The league pointed to recent transfer activity as evidence of this independence, noting that different clubs have adopted varied approaches within approved financial parameters. With only a few points separating the top four teams, the league maintains that the title race remains intensely competitive, reflecting a system that is functioning as intended.
The focus, according to the statement, should remain squarely on the football itself—on the pitch, where it truly belongs—and on sustaining a credible, competitive environment for both players and supporters alike.
