Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly gone on strike ahead of Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash with local rivals Al-Riyadh on Monday, amid growing frustration over the club’s transfer policy.

The 40-year-old Portuguese superstar, who reportedly earns around £488,000 per day, is said to be unhappy with how Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) manages Al-Nassr’s finances compared to other state-backed clubs in the league.

Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first billionaire footballer with $1.4bn net worth

Al-Nassr’s matchday appearance without Ronaldo sparked widespread speculation after the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was omitted from the squad, his first absence from a league matchday since May 2025.

European reports now suggest his absence may be linked to an internal dispute rather than fitness concerns.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo has effectively withdrawn his services in protest.

Since Ronaldo’s move to Riyadh in 2023, high-profile stars such as Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly and Riyad Mahrez have joined rival Saudi clubs on lucrative deals. Ronaldo reportedly believes Al-Nassr has not received comparable backing from the PIF.

That perception was reinforced during the January transfer window, when Al-Nassr signed only 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.

In contrast, rivals Al-Hilal strengthened significantly, adding Spanish centre-back Pablo Marí for £1.7 million, Rennes forward Kader Meïté for £26 million, and reportedly closing in on another £26 million deal for Neom star Saimon Bouabré.

Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has previously criticised the imbalance, claiming his club “does not have the political power of Al-Hilal.”