Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive Manchester United exit reshaped the modern transfer market. His blockbuster move to Al Nassr in December 2022 signalled the start of Saudi Arabia’s football revolution — and a salary reported at £175 million per year confirmed the shift in global power.
Now, more than two years later, the 41-year-old has found himself at the centre of fresh controversy after reportedly going on strike following a frustrating January transfer window.
Why Did Ronaldo Refuse to Play?
Despite scoring 111 goals in 127 games, Ronaldo has lifted just one minor trophy in Saudi Arabia. With Al Nassr chasing their first league title in seven years, January was viewed as a crucial opportunity to strengthen.
Instead, while title rivals Al Hilal made a statement move for Karim Benzema, Al Nassr’s only additions were Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Haydeer Abdulkareem.
That lack of marquee reinforcements reportedly angered Ronaldo — especially after watching Benzema score a hat-trick on debut for Al Hilal.
Soon after, Ronaldo missed league fixtures against Al Riyadh and Al Ittihad. Officially, no injury was cited. Reports suggested he was expressing frustration over the club’s perceived lack of ambition.
He also skipped the AFC Champions League Two trip to Turkmenistan, avoiding a 3,700-mile round journey.
The Bigger Issue: PIF Power Dynamics
All four of Saudi Arabia’s top clubs are backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), but their spending has varied significantly.
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Al Hilal spending since Ronaldo’s arrival: ~€650m
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Al Nassr spending in same period: ~€414m
While both figures are substantial, Al Hilal’s aggressive recruitment has raised eyebrows — particularly as they sit above Al Nassr in the title race.
Despite perceptions of limitless resources, PIF must balance football spending with broader national projects, including preparations for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
For Ronaldo, however, the contrast in ambition appears to have been the tipping point.
When Will Ronaldo Return?
The “strike” appears to be over.
Ronaldo returned to training earlier this week and is expected to feature against Al Fateh on February 14.
Interestingly, reports — particularly in Portugal — now suggest the dispute was less about transfers and more about internal club matters, including delayed salary payments and the reinstatement of key figures Simão Coutinho (sporting director) and José Semedo (CEO).
Whether that narrative shift is damage control or the full truth remains unclear.
What This Means for Al Nassr
Al Hilal currently lead the Saudi Pro League by a single point. With the title race finely poised, Ronaldo’s return could be decisive.
But this episode underlines a growing reality:
Even in Saudi Arabia — with record-breaking salaries and global superstars — ambition, hierarchy and power still matter.
And when Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t happy, the football world notices.