The Riyadh Rebellion: Al Nassr fans stand with Cristiano Ronaldo as war with club hierarchy escalates
The Portuguese forward was also absent from the match against Al-Ittihad, where his team secured a 2–0 victory without their captain.
The atmosphere at the Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh during the clash between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad was anything but ordinary. While the tactical battle on the pitch was intense, the most significant moment of the night didn't involve a ball. In the 7th minute of the match, thousands of fans simultaneously raised posters featuring the number 7, turning the stands into a sea of support for their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Message to the Boardroom
This was not a casual display of affection; it was a calculated act of defiance. The manifestation occurred amidst the most turbulent week of Ronaldo’s Saudi career. The Portuguese icon was once again absent from the matchday squad, fueling reports of a "cold war" between the 41-year-old superstar and the upper management of the Saudi football project.
By choosing the 7th minute—Ronaldo’s iconic brand—the Al Nassr faithful sent a clear message to the boardroom: No matter the institutional conflict, Cristiano remains the undisputed king of Riyadh. For the fans, Ronaldo isn't just a player; he is the foundation of the club's modern identity in 2026.
The "Benzema Trigger" and the PIF Controversy
The root of the conflict lies in what Ronaldo perceives as a "rigged" distribution of resources within the league. The spark that lit this fire was the blockbuster winter transfer of Karim Benzema to Al Hilal. Ronaldo reportedly views this move as a direct violation of the competitive balance promised to him when he signed his historic contract.
In Ronaldo’s eyes, the Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which oversees the top clubs—has shown a clear "blue-tinted" favoritism toward Al Hilal. Seeing his former Real Madrid teammate join the league leaders while Al Nassr’s squad depth stagnates was the breaking point. This perceived asymmetry led to the current "strike" scenario, with Ronaldo refusing to take the pitch until his sporting ambitions are matched by the club's investment.
The Stats Behind the Discontent
The tension is underscored by the current league table. While Al Nassr remains a powerhouse, they are struggling to keep pace with an Al Hilal side that seems to have an unlimited arsenal of reinforcements.
- Al Hilal: 50 points, unbeaten, with 7 major winter signings.
- Al Nassr: 46 points, relying on a localized squad and a disgruntled superstar.
Despite attempts from Al Nassr’s management to downplay the rift and "rebuild bridges," the captain’s future remains a massive enigma. While the financial side of his contract is secure, Ronaldo’s legendary ego and desire for parity are currently at odds with the league's structural decisions.
The Power of the 12th Man
As the 2026 season reaches a boiling point, the only certainty is the loyalty of the fans. The Riyadh crowd has proven that while managers and directors may come and go, the bond between the "Global Club" and its greatest-ever signing is unbreakable.
"He has shown total commitment since day one," one fan noted. "If the league wants to grow, they must respect the man who put them on the map."
The ball is now in the court of the Al Nassr hierarchy. They must decide whether to yield to their captain's demands or face a continued rebellion from a fanbase that refuses to see their idol sidelined.
