Cristiano Ronaldo's Absence Ignites Saudi Pro League Crisis Over Star Influence
Cristiano Ronaldo, the global football icon, could be facing his first significant backlash in Saudi Arabia after a reported no-show for Al-Nassr, sparking intense scrutiny over player power in the Saudi Pro League. The incident has overshadowed a thrilling title race and raised fundamental questions about who truly controls the competition.
Transfer Discontent Leads to Alleged Strike Action
According to emerging reports, the 40-year-old Portuguese superstar is believed to have gone on strike, expressing deep dissatisfaction with Al-Nassr's limited activity in the recent transfer window. This comes despite Ronaldo earning an astonishing reported daily salary of approximately £490,000. His frustration appears to stem from perceived underinvestment by his club, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the same entity backing other top Saudi teams like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli.
Ronaldo's discontent may have been exacerbated by the high-profile move of his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, to rivals Al-Hilal. Benzema, who joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023, saw his relationship with that club sour over contract disputes, leading to his transfer. Al-Hilal's aggressive recruitment, which also included signings like Mohamed Meïté and Pablo Marí, contrasts sharply with Al-Nassr's modest addition of young Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.
Jurassic Park Parallels Highlight Growing Chaos
The situation has drawn vivid comparisons to Jurassic Park, with Ronaldo likened to a T rex and Benzema to a velociraptor—spectacular beasts that captivate audiences but cause chaos when they act independently. While their on-pitch exploits generate global headlines, their off-pitch manoeuvres are creating even greater interest and, crucially, significant problems for the league's integrity.
On a recent manic Monday in the SPL, the focus should have been on the pitch, where Al-Hilal drew with Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr won to close within a point of the leaders. With Brendan Rodgers' Al-Qadsiah in the mix, a tight title race is unfolding, yet all this has been eclipsed by the drama surrounding Ronaldo's absence.
Backlash Fears and Historical Context
Ronaldo, who has yet to win a major trophy in Saudi Arabia, had been enjoying a promising season under manager Jorge Jesus. However, his alleged strike action could mark a turning point. Past murmurings about suggestive gestures and red cards have done little to tarnish his reputation as the league's face, but withdrawing his highly remunerated labour may provoke a backlash from fans and officials alike.
Karim Benzema's departure from Al-Ittihad, amid similar strike rumours, adds to the narrative of star players wielding excessive influence. His social media farewell to Al-Ittihad fans, while polite, is unlikely to shield him from a hostile reception in future matches.
Voices of Concern from Within the League
Sami Al-Jaber, a legendary Saudi footballer with over 150 international caps and a brief stint at Wolves, has voiced serious concerns on Saudi TV. He remarked, "Some world-famous foreign players have come to control not only the spotlight, but even the decisions of the clubs they play for, exploiting international media outlets to strengthen their influence." Al-Jaber warned that this uncontrolled behaviour and excessive power pose a real crisis, with star influence sometimes surpassing that of the clubs themselves.
These comments from an influential figure suggest that Ronaldo may need to explain his actions, and the league faces a period of soul-searching. Key stakeholders must decide whether control lies with the PIF, the league administration, individual clubs, or the megastars who appear to be running amok.
Broader Implications for the Saudi Pro League
The influx of global talents like Ronaldo and Benzema was intended to elevate the Saudi Pro League's profile, but it has also introduced complex dynamics of player power. Fans nostalgic for the old days may feel alienated by these developments, as the focus shifts from team performance to individual star antics.
As the season progresses with just over a third remaining, the league must address these awkward questions to maintain its credibility and competitive balance. The outcome could redefine the relationship between clubs and their highest-profile assets in one of football's most ambitious projects.
