Cristiano Ronaldo boycott sees Saudi Pro League fight back after Karim Benzema transfer - ‘No individual determines decisions beyond their club’
By Sanjay Suri
Published 06/02/2026 at 09:40 GMT
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The Saudi Pro League has remained bullish on their stance regarding Cristiano Ronaldo amid reports he is angling for a move away from his club. Ronaldo reportedly criticised Al-Nassr's transfer strategy after seeing title rivals Al-Hilal sign Karim Benzema. The 41-year-old is the league's most high-profile signing since joining in 2022, triggering a wave of major moves from European clubs.
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr.
Image credit: Getty Images
The Saudi Pro League has hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo amid reports the five-time Ballon d'Or winner refused to play for his club due to dissatisfaction regarding their lack of transfer activity.
The 41-year-old was not included in Al-Nassr’s matchday squad for Monday’s clash with local rivals Al-Riyadh as speculation over a move grew.
Ronaldo‘s reported frustration and temptation to change clubs was sparked by title rivals Al-Hilal signing former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema.
However, the Pro League refuted this move, citing that the two clubs, both run by the Public Investment Fund, operate independently.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a spokesperson said: "No individual - however significant - determines decisions beyond their own club.
"Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach.
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"Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters. The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.
"Clubs have their own boards, their own executives and their own football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy sit with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance."
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Is Ronaldo's frustration justified?
The three-time Premier League winner signed for Al-Nassr at the end of 2022, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history.
His move triggered an influx of major signings across the league as clubs sought to bridge the gap between themselves and Europe’s elite.
Since Ronaldo’s signing, Pro League clubs have made 48 transfers above their previous record, including Al-Hilal spending £78 million to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the former Manchester United and Madrid striker’s frustration, his side have spent over £350 million in the last three windows, including on the likes of Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Jhon Duran.
Trophies have not followed the transfers for the 10-time league champions, though, who finished second in the league in two of the last three seasons.
In contrast, Al-Hilal have won four pieces of silverware in the same period and have made it to at least the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League in each campaign.
Ronaldo was last summer linked with a loan move to Al-Hilal, who qualified for the revamped FIFA Club World Cup and reached the quarter-finals, knocking out Manchester City on their way.
The Saudi Pro League spokesperson added: "The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself.
"With only a few points separating the top four, the title race is very much alive. That level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.
"The focus remains on football - on the pitch, where it belongs - and on maintaining a credible, competitive competition for players and fans."
Al-Nassr sit third in the table, four points off leaders Al-Hilal, but have a game in hand and have won their last five matches.
Ronaldo has 17 league goals in 18 matches this season and, despite his age, is keen to become the first player to score 1,000 senior goals. He is currently on 961.
Al-Nassr host reigning champions Al-Ittihad this evening, but it is unknown whether Ronaldo will take part. He took part in training on Wednesday.
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