Global football fans erupt in response as Ronaldo 'rebels' at Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden decision not to take the field during the Al Nassr vs. Al Riyadh game is stirring major debate within the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly dissatisfied with how the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) is managing Al Nassr, especially as investment balance among top Saudi Pro League clubs appears heavily skewed.

While Benzema left Al Ittihad to join Al Hilal, and his former club is ready to sign young talent Georges Ilenikhena from Monaco, Al Nassr could only add Abdulkareem, an Iraqi midfielder from Al Zawraa. This situation makes CR7 feel that his team is being held back in the transfer market, particularly since Al Nassr trails Al Hilal by just one point with the title race intensifying.

Feeling this injustice, CR7 refused to play against Al Riyadh — a match Al Nassr still won 1-0. While remaining focused on winning the Saudi Pro League and reaching 1,000 career goals, Ronaldo reportedly chose this form of protest to defend both his status and Al Nassr’s interests.

On social media, fans’ reactions have been deeply divided. Some support the Portuguese superstar, while others believe he is overreacting and criticize the ego of the 1985-born player.

"How can the Saudi Football Federation (Saudi FA) and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) build a competitive league if they favor just one club, continuously signing better and more players only for Al Hilal? This is blatant favoritism. Ronaldo has shown professionalism throughout his career and must speak out, just like Benzema is doing."- wrote one fan.

"Coman, Mane from Bayern Munich, Joao Felix from Chelsea, Inigo Martinez from Barcelona, and he still claims Al Nassr hasn’t bought any stars. Maybe he wants Messi?"- commented another fan.

Another supporter defended him: "Ronaldo has a winning DNA and always sees the issues clearly. His reaction is completely justified; Al Nassr should listen to Ronaldo if they want to win the championship.".

A different fan sarcastically commented: "What’s the point of spending half a million dollars a day without any trophies?" (referring to Ronaldo’s astronomical salary).

From a broader perspective, this incident could have far-reaching consequences. The Saudi Pro League is striving to build a professional, attractive, and competitive image. Controversies involving top stars like Ronaldo could negatively impact the league’s brand. For Al Nassr, a rift between the club and its biggest icon also risks causing unrest in the locker room.

For Ronaldo, displaying such a strong ego might damage his image among Saudi fans. While his skill is unquestionable, how CR7 behaves in the twilight of his career will greatly influence the legacy he leaves at Al Nassr.