Why is Ronaldo reportedly on strike?

Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly boycotting Al-Nassr matches to protest a lack of investment by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in the club, sitting out consecutive league games against Al Riyadh.

Frustrated by perceived preferential treatment for rival clubs, Ronaldo may request a move in June 2026 if management demands are unmet.

Ronaldo, who turned 41 today (Friday), is reportedly earning £488,000 ($666,300) per day at Al Nassr. The five time Ballon d’Or winner was absent from Jorge Jesus’s squad for Monday’s match. While initial local reports suggested an injury was the reason, journalist Fabrizio Romano clarified that the Portuguese star’s absence was not related to “any physical issue nor to workload or fitness management.”

Ronaldo’s frustration reportedly grew after seeing title rivals Al-Hilal, just one point ahead in the league, strengthen their squad by signing Karim Benzema as their fifth acquisition of the transfer window, while Al Nassr made minimal additions. According to ESPN, Ronaldo has made it clear he will skip a second consecutive league match after failing to receive assurances from the PIF regarding changes in the club’s management.

It is worth mentioning that, since moving to the Middle East, he has consistently scored but has yet to secure a league title with Al Nassr, growing increasingly frustrated with the PIF’s perceived lack of investment in the squad.