Axel Allag, Media365, published on Friday February 6, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
Once again absent from an Al-Nassr match and at war with the authorities of the Saudi Pro League, Cristiano Ronaldo was supported by his fans and those of Al-Ittihad this Friday evening.
Cristiano Ronaldo continues his standoff against the authorities governing Saudi football. Disappointed by the winter transfer window carried out by Al-Nassr, the five-time Ballon d’Or is visibly in conflict with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which holds approximately 75% of the shares of Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli, the four main clubs in the Kingdom. Fit to play, he missed last Monday’s match against Al-Riyadh (0-1), and was also absent from the clash against Al-Ittihad, which Al-Nassr won thanks to a penalty converted by Sadio Mané and Angelo’s goal (2-0).
Signs and chants in honor of Ronaldo
Frustrated at not having seen Karim Benzema arrive at Al-Nassr – the 2022 Ballon d’Or having joined Al-Hilal, scoring a hat-trick in his first match – Cristiano Ronaldo therefore seems to refuse to play. As a reminder, he was reframed by the Saudi Pro League via a statement from one of its spokespersons (to the Daily Mail): “Like any high-level competitor, he wants to win. But no individual, no matter how important, makes decisions beyond his own club.”
This Friday evening, however, Cristiano Ronaldo, even absent, must have appreciated the support shown towards him. In the 7th minute of the match between Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad, the minute corresponding to his legendary jersey number, fans of both camps chanted “Ronaldo”. The locals, namely Al-Nassr fans, held up yellow signs with the name “Ronaldo” written on them. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, still upbeat, has not yet spoken about his state of mind, but he posted a photo of himself in training gear on his Instagram account on Wednesday. The open conflict between CR7 and the Saudi Pro League is, for the moment, not resolved.
