According to talkSPORT, the 41-year-old - who signed a contract extension last June keeping him at the club until 2027 - is unhappy with recent recruitment and with perceived inconsistencies in funding across the PIF-controlled clubs.
Ronaldo’s anger was supposedly triggered by Karim Benzema’s, 38, move from Al Ittihad to rivals Al Hilal, a deal he felt Al Nassr would not have been permitted to complete under the same financial framework.
While there was no personal issue with Benzema switching clubs, sources close to the situation claim Ronaldo questioned how Al Hilal were able to meet the former Ballon d’Or winner’s demands.
PIF has maintained that clubs make independent recruitment decisions, with Al Hilal sources stressing minority owner Prince Alwaleed bin Talal funded the Benzema deal, rather than central allocation.
Saudi clubs share a seasonal budget of around €2 billion through the PACE programme, distributed based on need rather than equally, a system that has caused friction between Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.
A Saudi Pro League spokesperson said in a statement: “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. That framework applies equally across the league.”
Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s recent win over Al Riyadh and is set to sit out Friday’s (06.02.26) home clash with Al Ittihad, though he has returned to training and is not expected to boycott matches long-term.
His contract reportedly includes a €50 million (£43 million) release clause, with Turkish clubs said to be monitoring developments ahead of the summer.
Despite his supposed frustrations, the league has insisted Ronaldo does not wield power beyond his own club.
The spokesperson said: “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition. Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.
“But no individual – however significant – determines decisions beyond their own club.”
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr at the end of 2022 as the highest-paid footballer in history, sparking a wave of elite signings across Saudi Arabia.
Al Nassr themselves have spent more than £350 million in the last three windows, yet trophies have eluded the 10-time league champions, who sit third, four points behind leaders Al Hilal.
