The 41-year-old forward has reportedly grown frustrated with perceived disparities in transfer backing among the Saudi Pro League’s top clubs, amid a tight title race with Al-Hilal, and Jesus has now shared his empathy for Ronaldo.
The Al-Nassr head coach said in a press conference: “I’ve already been at Al-Hilal. I’ve been on the other side, so I know what that’s like.
“They have more economic power. When I was there, I benefited as a coach. It’s normal.”
Jesus previously managed Al-Hilal and oversaw the arrival of several high-profile signings.
The club have continued to attract elite talent, while Al-Nassr have also invested heavily, but are still chasing a first league title of the Ronaldo era.
Jesus added: “Al-Nassr, with different resources, have to compete for the top spots.
“We have to continue to be strong. That’s why I was hired, to reduce the gap between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, in terms of titles and points. And that’s what we’re doing.”
Ronaldo is said to have voiced concerns about the financial muscle of rivals Al-Hilal, particularly after Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad strengthened the league leaders.
Reports have suggested the Portugal star even considered his future in Saudi Arabia, with a release clause in his contract understood to be worth around £43million.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) holds stakes in the leading clubs, though league officials insist each side operates independently within the same financial framework.
A league spokesperson recently stressed that recruitment decisions sit with individual clubs and that no player has influence beyond his own team.
The spokesperson said in a statement: “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 - who signed a contract extension last year keeping him at Al-Nassr until 2027 - missed two recent matches amid the speculation, but has since returned to the starting line-up.
He marked his comeback with a goal in the win over Al-Fateh on Saturday (14.02.26), taking his tally to 19 in 23 appearances this season and 118 in 134 games overall for the club.
Despite significant spending - Al-Nassr have invested more than £350million across recent transfer windows - silverware has remained elusive during Ronaldo’s three full seasons in Saudi Arabia.
