Al-Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus has excluded Cristiano Ronaldo from the lineup for Friday’s crucial Saudi Pro League encounter against Al-Ittihad. This decision marks the second straight game that the 41-year-old forward will watch from the sidelines. The exclusion stems from an ongoing personal protest by Ronaldo against the Public Investment Fund, which serves as the sovereign wealth fund managing the nation’s premier football clubs.
Despite making a return to the training ground earlier this week, the five-time Ballon d’Or recipient failed to secure a spot in the matchday roster. Ronaldo remains steadfast in his dissatisfaction regarding the distribution of resources within the league. He specifically contends that the Public Investment Fund provides Al-Nassr with significantly less financial reinforcement compared to their primary championship competitors, Al-Hilal.
The absence of the team’s most prominent figure creates a challenging situation for Jorge Jesus as he prepares his squad for one of the season’s biggest fixtures. While the club hoped his return to training signaled a resolution, his omission confirms that tensions remain high between the player and the league’s financial backers. This standoff continues to cast a shadow over Al-Nassr’s title ambitions as they navigate a difficult period without their leading goalscorer.
