Ronaldo’s Absence Deepens Speculation

Al-Nassr continue to collect points on the pitch, yet the louder conversation in the stands and across the footballing world centres on one question: where is Cristiano Ronaldo? For a second successive league fixture, the Portuguese forward was conspicuously absent, this time as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Ittihad 2–0 on Friday. Late goals from Sadio Mané and Ângelo Gabriel secured the victory, underlining the squad’s depth, but the team’s most recognisable figure remained on the sidelines.

From the opening minutes, Ronaldo’s name echoed around the stadium. In the seventh minute, a cluster of supporters lifted yellow placards bearing his name and the iconic number seven, a visual reminder of his status within the club and the league at large. The 41-year-old had also missed Monday’s narrow 1–0 win over Al-Riyadh, fuelling speculation about the reasons behind his absence. With no official medical bulletin indicating a specific injury, the vacuum of information has been filled by conjecture.

Portuguese outlet A Bola has suggested that Ronaldo’s non-appearance may reflect dissatisfaction with the way Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) oversees club operations. According to this account, the forward has privately questioned aspects of governance and sporting direction. League officials and club-linked sources, however, have sought to dampen such claims, emphasising that while Ronaldo’s influence on Al-Nassr’s global profile and commercial growth is undeniable, strategic decisions are institutional rather than personal. In elite football, they argue, even the most decorated players operate within collective frameworks.

Since arriving in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, Ronaldo has transformed Al-Nassr’s international visibility, contributing goals, leadership and unprecedented media attention. Tangible silverware has been comparatively limited: the club’s standout achievement during his tenure remains the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. In June 2025, Ronaldo signed a fresh two-year contract, signalling a commitment to the Saudi project at a stage of his career when legacy management and workload optimisation are increasingly important considerations.

Competition within the league has intensified. High-profile recruitment by rivals has sharpened the title race, and Al-Nassr currently trail leaders Al-Hilal by a single point. The arrival of Karim Benzema at Al-Hilal has added narrative spice to the rivalry and, according to reports, heightened Ronaldo’s competitive frustration. In this context, any prolonged absence inevitably attracts scrutiny, whether attributed to rotation, load management, minor fitness concerns or off-field tensions.

Recent Al-Nassr Results Without Ronaldo

For Al-Nassr, the immediate sporting narrative is positive: two wins, two clean sheets, and momentum sustained. Yet the broader story remains unresolved. Supporters crave clarity, not least because Ronaldo’s presence is entwined with the club’s ambitions at home and abroad. Whether his recent absence proves a brief, pragmatic pause in a demanding season or a sign of deeper unease, the coming fixtures will provide the answer. In a title race decided by fine margins, Al-Nassr will be keen to see their talisman return swiftly—not merely to reassure the terraces, but to tilt the balance at the summit of the league.