Saudi Pro League leaders face a crisis after Cristiano Ronaldo's shock no-show sparked a heated debate about his future with Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old superstar was absent from the team's match against Al-Hilal, drawing speculation that he may have gone on strike in protest over the club's transfer spending.
Ronaldo's decision to pull out of the game has left many questioning whether he is still committed to his role as the face of Saudi Pro League football. The league had been boosted by Ronaldo's arrival last year, but mid-season recruitment has been underwhelming and fans are starting to feel let down.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema's departure from Al-Ittihad has sent shockwaves through the league. The former France striker joined Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, but a dispute over a new contract led him to leave for Riyadh-based rivals Al-Hilal.
Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad had soured in recent weeks, and his departure has left fans feeling betrayed. His goodbye message on social media was met with scorn from some, who are accusing him of being ungrateful for the club's support.
The controversy surrounding Ronaldo and Benzema highlights a deeper issue within Saudi Pro League football. The influx of big-name players has created concerns about player power and the influence they wield over clubs and leagues.
As Al-Nassr prepares to face Al-Hilal again this week, the league faces an awkward question: who is in charge? Is it the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, or are the players themselves running amok? The debate is set to continue with Ronaldo's future hanging precariously in the balance.
Ronaldo's decision to pull out of the game has left many questioning whether he is still committed to his role as the face of Saudi Pro League football. The league had been boosted by Ronaldo's arrival last year, but mid-season recruitment has been underwhelming and fans are starting to feel let down.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema's departure from Al-Ittihad has sent shockwaves through the league. The former France striker joined Al-Nassr in the summer of 2023, but a dispute over a new contract led him to leave for Riyadh-based rivals Al-Hilal.
Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad had soured in recent weeks, and his departure has left fans feeling betrayed. His goodbye message on social media was met with scorn from some, who are accusing him of being ungrateful for the club's support.
The controversy surrounding Ronaldo and Benzema highlights a deeper issue within Saudi Pro League football. The influx of big-name players has created concerns about player power and the influence they wield over clubs and leagues.
As Al-Nassr prepares to face Al-Hilal again this week, the league faces an awkward question: who is in charge? Is it the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, or are the players themselves running amok? The debate is set to continue with Ronaldo's future hanging precariously in the balance.