In a development that sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone “on strike”, refusing to play for Al Nassr in their match against Al Riyadh today, February 2, 2026.
The 40-year-old superstar, who is currently sitting on 961 career goals, is reportedly using the boycott to protest the club’s management and what he perceives as a lack of competitive support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola and several other sources, they have confirmed the news; Ronaldo’s action was as a result of institutional grievances.
The player was reported as “angry” following the club’s action of signing only one player (Hayder Abdulkareem) during the January transfer window, while their arch rivals Al Hilal are heavily prepared and also in the race to sign his former teammate Karim Benzema.
The powers of the club’s Portuguese directors, Simão Coutinho (Sporting Director) and José Semedo (CEO), were reportedly “frozen” by the board earlier this month. As a close ally of both, Ronaldo views this as a direct blow to the club’s sporting project.
The Portuguese star and club coach Jorge Jesus have expressed concerns and allegations, stating that Al Nassr is being sidelined by the PIF in favour of Al Hilal. Jesus recently made headlines by claiming Al Nassr lacks the “political power” of their rivals.
With the viral reports suggesting that Ronaldo will be rested against the team’s upcoming match with Al Ittihad on 6th February, inside sources have also opened up to clear the situation.
Ronaldo is fully fit. His absence is not related to any physical issue, workload, or fitness management. It is a decision of protest.” — Reported via Fabrizio Romano / A Bola
This is not the first time Ronaldo has used a “boycott” to send a message (most notably at Manchester United in 2022). With his contract set to run until June 2027, this power play puts immense pressure on the Saudi authorities to address his concerns before the summer window.
