2 min read
Football Insider

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence on Social Media Amid Saudi Pro League 'Strike' Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his silence and shared an update on social media in response to rumors suggesting he refused to play at Al-Nassr. Find out how CR7 proves his commitment to the club amidst transfer frustrations and league upheaval.

Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Silence on Social Media Amid Saudi Pro League 'Strike' Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken his silence and posted an update on social media following reports he has gone on strike at Al-Nassr. The Portugal superstar did not feature in Al-Nassr's last league fixture against Al-Riyadh on Monday amid speculation he had refused to play after being left unhappy at the PIF's lack of transfer activity at his club compared to others owned by the fund.Ronaldo has now posted a picture of himself in training at Al-Nassr and has added a couple of heart emojis in the club's colours. The team are currently preparing for their next match against Al-Ittihad on Friday in the Saudi Pro League. Al-Ittihad have just waved goodbye to star striker Karim Benzema, who has completed a move to Al-Hilal, a transfer which is thought to have angered Ronaldo. The Portugal superstar has reportedly been left frustrated at seeing one of his team's key title rivals strengthened this winter, while Al-Nassr have enjoyed a quiet January window.Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's last fixture, and Benzema's subsequent move to Al-Hilal, has thrown the Saudi Pro League into chaos in the middle of the season. Benzema has joined the league leaders, who currently sit one point clear of Ronaldo's Nassr after 19 games played, and will be hoping to finish the season on top of the pile. Benzema won the Saudi Pro League previously in 2024-25, while Ronaldo has famously yet to win a trophy since moving to the Middle East.Benzema has explained his decision to make the move, telling the club's media: "Clear message - you know my mentality - I have a lot of ambition. I will work; I will give everything on the pitch. I will help this team and, Inshallah, bring trophies, because for me it's more important to bring trophies. And we have a good team, good fans, so together, Inshallah, we will do it. I feel good. I'm happy to be here after my first training with the team and the coach. I'm so happy and glad to be part of this team. It's a great team with a great history; they won a lot of trophies. It's like Real Madrid here in Asia, you know."Looking for smarter football bets? Get expert previews, data-driven predictions & winning insights with GOAL Tips on Telegram. Join our growing community now!Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzado has been asked about the situation regarding Ronaldo amid talk of a strike. However, the club chief feels that's a question only for the Portugal international. He told Cadena SER: "You would have to ask him what's wrong with him. Al Hilal is the most powerful club in Saudi Arabia. We have three sources of financing in terms of signings: merchandising, the government's program to sign great players, and we have the prince who supports the club to obtain good resources."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

1

CR7 Shows Commitment to Al-Nassr Amid Transfer Controversy

Cristiano Ronaldo recently took to social media to address speculations surrounding his absence from Al-Nassr's last league fixture. Reports had suggested that the Portugal superstar was on strike due to dissatisfaction with the club's transfer activity in comparison to other teams owned by the PIF. However, Ronaldo posted a picture of himself in training at Al-Nassr, accompanied by heart emojis in the club's colors, demonstrating his continued commitment to the team.

2

Ronaldo Reacts to Benzema's Move to Al-Hilal

The recent departure of star striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal has stirred further unrest in the Saudi Pro League. Benzema's transfer to the title rivals of Al-Nassr, where Ronaldo currently plays, has reportedly left the Portugal superstar frustrated. This unexpected move has heightened tensions in the league and intensified the competition for the top spot, with both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal vying for the championship.

3

Al-Hilal CEO Comments on Ronaldo's Situation

In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding Ronaldo's alleged strike and transfer concerns, Al-Hilal CEO Esteve Calzado has emphasized the strength and resources of the club. Calzado hinted at the club's robust financial backing and highlighted their ambition to attract top talent. While the CEO refrained from speculating on Ronaldo's motives, it is clear that the competition among Saudi clubs is heating up, leading to both excitement and controversy in the league.

Published on Feb 4, 2026