Ronaldo issues an ultimatum to the top officials of Saudi football

The Portuguese star is uncertain about his future following Karim Benzema’s transfer from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, whereas Al-Nassr has barely made any moves in the transfer window.

According to CBS Sports sources, Cristiano Ronaldo has warned senior officials of the Saudi Pro League that he is prepared to leave Saudi Arabia due to dissatisfaction with the league’s recent transfer activities.

Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Monday after CBS Sports revealed the 41-year-old was upset with the PIF, the investment fund owning four major Saudi clubs, for allowing Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal while his own team received no reinforcements.

Initially, it was expected that Ronaldo would quickly return to the squad and he did resume training. However, his frustration remains unchanged. A source close to Al-Nassr told CBS Sports that Ronaldo feels “betrayed” and is currently ready to consider ending his three-year stint in Saudi Arabia.

The source also mentioned that the issue might require direct intervention from senior PIF leaders to provide clear commitments regarding Al-Nassr’s future and the direction of the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo has yet to win this league since leaving Manchester United, and his chances this season have become more challenging with Benzema, who was unhappy at Al-Ittihad, moving to Al-Hilal—the current league leaders—and extending his contract until summer 2027.

Notably, this coincides with the expiration of Ronaldo’s lucrative contract with Al-Nassr. If he departs earlier, he might return to his youth club Sporting Lisbon to finish his career. Additionally, top Turkish clubs could be potential options amid increasing trade relations between the Saudi Pro League and the Super Lig recently. Ronaldo’s contract includes a release clause worth 59 million USD (50 million euros).

Ronaldo was expected to rejoin Al-Nassr’s lineup for the match against Al-Ittihad on Friday, but now that seems less certain. Some sources suggest he may continue to stay out to clearly express his stance towards the PIF. This could allow Al-Hilal to widen their lead at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, Benzema’s arrival at Al-Hilal has had an immediate impact: the French striker scored a hat-trick in his debut match against Al-Akhdoud and also provided an assist.

Although Ronaldo is unhappy seeing a rival strengthen with Benzema, it is important to note that this transfer was not funded by PIF or the Saudi Pro League but by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. As for Al-Nassr, despite not making any high-profile signings like their rivals during the January transfer window—only adding former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari and spending about 17 million USD on local players—they invested heavily in the summer by acquiring Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix.