Saudi Pro League issues strong statement against Cristiano Ronaldo after his refusal to play

The name Cristiano Ronaldo has once again sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League, though this time, the thunder is coming from the boardroom rather than the pitch. In an unprecedented move, league authorities have issued a stern public reprimand to the Portuguese icon, effectively drawing a line in the sand between individual stardom and institutional authority.

The Saudi Pro League's hierarchy has made its position crystal clear: no player, regardless of their legacy, is above the rules. In a statement provided to the BBC, a league representative synthesized the tension in a single, biting sentence:

"No player, regardless of their status, can prevail over the determinations of their club."

This disciplinary shot across the bow follows Ronaldo’s controversial absence from last Monday’s fixture against Al-Riyadh. While Al-Nassr managed to scrape a 1-0 victory without their captain, the superstar’s failure to appear has ignited a firestorm of speculation regarding his future in the Kingdom.

Reports from the Portuguese outlet A Bola suggest that Ronaldo’s absence was not a tactical decision by the manager, but a deliberate act of protest. The legendary striker reportedly refused to play as a signal of his deep discontent with the club's management and the overarching influence of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The situation has only escalated today, Friday, February 6, 2026. As Al-Nassr (currently 3rd with 46 points) prepares to host Al-Ittihad (6th with 34 points) for a massive Matchday 20 showdown, all signs point to Ronaldo remaining on the sidelines. This back-to-back boycott has led many in the international press to label the situation a full-blown "sporting strike."

The root of Ronaldo's fury appears to be the perceived inequality in the PIF's transfer strategy. The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner is reportedly livid over the winter move that saw Karim Benzema leave Al-Ittihad to join Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr’s direct rival and current league leader.

Benzema’s debut for the "Blue Waves" was a psychological blow: a sensational hat-trick that immediate propelled Al-Hilal further ahead. For Ronaldo, seeing his former Real Madrid teammate receive such a massive reinforcement—while Al-Nassr’s recruitment remained stagnant—was the breaking point. It’s worth noting that the PIF owns both clubs (as well as Newcastle United in the Premier League), leading to a heated debate over "sporting proportionality" within the league.

Despite the league’s attempt to project a united front by praising Ronaldo’s "total commitment to the project" and his "winner's mentality" in later statements, the tension remains palpable.

Ronaldo himself took to social media to respond indirectly. He posted a single image of himself in training gear, devoid of a caption, but brimming with intent. For the fans in Riyadh and the millions watching worldwide, the message was clear: the saga of the 2026 season is far from over, and the "Bicho" will not be silenced easily.