Saudi Pro League warn Cristiano Ronaldo over strike action

Cristiano Ronaldo has had an incredibly illustrious career, with questions now being raised over how much longer it’s set to go on.

The 41-year-old has experienced exceptionally successful stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, before moving to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr.

During his 24-year-long career, the Portugal international has won five Ballon d’Ors, making 1302 appearances for club and country, scoring 955 goals and grabbing 306 assists.

However, in late 2025, Ronaldo made comment that the 2026 World Cup could well be his last, with retirement being an option soon after.

Now, the former Manchester United star is drawing attention off the pitch, due to his strike action against the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

Cristiano Ronaldo has withdrawn from training with Al-Nassr and missed their Monday night match against local rivals Al-Riyadh, which thankfully for his teammates, they still won 1-0.

The main reason for the strike action is a belief that the Saudi Public Investment Fund is unfairly favouring other teams over Al-Nassr when it comes to transfers.

Whilst Ronaldo returned to training on Wednesday, BBC Sport has now reported a statement from the Saudi Pro League responding to his strike action.

A spokesperson from the Saudi Pro League commented: “The Saudi Pro League is structured around a simple principle: every club operates independently under the same rules.

They continued: “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.

“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.

“Recent transfer activity demonstrates that independence clearly. One club strengthened in a particular way. Another chose a different approach.

“Those were club decisions, taken within approved financial parameters.”