Cristiano Ronaldo’s identify normally defines the buildup to any Saudi Professional League blockbuster, particularly when Al-Nassr prepares to face a historic rival like Al-Ittihad. But as kickoff approaches at Al-Awwal Park, the highlight has shifted in an uncommon path. Ronaldo isn’t anticipated to function, leaving Al-Nassr to navigate one of many season’s most essential fixtures with out its talisman. The absence has raised questions throughout Saudi soccer, fueling hypothesis that stretches far past crew sheets and tactical plans.
Al-Nassr enters the match driving momentum, totally conscious that victories at this stage of the marketing campaign can tilt a whole title race. Al-Ittihad arrives with its personal pressures, defending satisfaction after a turbulent season that has seen upheaval each on and off the pitch. And someplace in between stands Ronaldo, current in coaching, current in headlines, however conspicuously absent on matchday.
The assembly between these two sides is not only one other league fixture. It’s a defining second within the Saudi Professional League calendar. Al-Nassr now sits third within the standings with 46 factors, however remains to be chasing the summit and refusing to let the leaders escape. Al-Ittihad, in the meantime, occupies sixth place with 34 factors, their title protection already unraveling however continental qualification nonetheless inside attain.
This was imagined to be an evening outlined by stars. As a substitute, it has develop into an evening outlined by absence. The Portuguese veteran missed the earlier league match, however uncertainty lingered. He skilled, he traveled, and he was photographed. Nonetheless, doubts remained over whether or not he would step onto the pitch in opposition to Al-Ittihad. As hours handed, studies started to align round a single conclusion: Cristiano Ronaldo wouldn’t play once more.
Cristiano Ronaldo refused to play for Al Nassr vs. Al Riyadh on Monday.
The explanation for Ronaldo’s absence revealed
The reality emerged within the days main as much as kickoff. In accordance with a number of studies, Ronaldo’s absence is not associated to harm, however somewhat to an escalating standoff behind the scenes.
In accordance with Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo is intentionally sitting out matches as a type of protest. The Portuguese star is claimed to be sad with the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF), which owns Al-Nassr alongside a number of home rivals. His frustration facilities on what he perceives as unequal funding, notably throughout the January switch window.
Whereas Al-Nassr confronted restrictions, Al-Hilal was in a position to strengthen considerably, together with the headline-grabbing arrival of Karim Benzema. That distinction has not gone unnoticed by Ronaldo. “Ronaldo isn’t upset with Al-Nassr,” Romano reported. “His difficulty is with how the PIF manages and prioritizes sure golf equipment.” The message is obvious: this isn’t a soccer resolution, however a political one.
Karim Benzema of Al-Ittihad celebrates a aim alongside Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr.
Solidarity contained in the dressing room
The scenario has reportedly created ripples inside the membership. Portuguese head coach Jorge Jesus has stood firmly behind his captain, even boycotting press conferences in obvious solidarity. Efforts to influence Ronaldo to rethink his stance have failed.
As reported by Al-Riyadiyah, “all makes an attempt to safe Cristiano Ronaldo’s participation in opposition to Al-Ittihad have failed.” The identical supply added that the 41-year-old’s frustration additionally stems from a scarcity of winter signings and inside restructuring that restricted the affect of his trusted administrative circle.
