Riyadh: The Saudi Pro League, once seen as a burgeoning rival to Europe's football dominance, is now facing an internal crisis sparked by its own star players. Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr three years ago and became a key figure in Saudi Arabia's sporting project, has refused to play following a series of events that have unsettled the league's dynamics.
According to Ghana Web, the turmoil began as Al-Nassr struggled to maintain their lead in the league despite Ronaldo's impressive performance, scoring 91 goals in 95 appearances. The team's downturn led Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus to call for reinforcements during the winter transfer window. However, the club's inability to secure significant signings compared to rivals Al-Hilal, who acquired Karim Benzema among others, led to Ronaldo's frustration and subsequent refusal to play in a recent match.
Benzema's unexpected move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, despite having six months left on his contract, added fuel to the fire. The transfer was facilitated by shared ownership under the Public Investment Fund (PIF), raising questions of favoritism and conflict of interest within the league. This situation has cast doubt on the fairness of the competition, as Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad seem to gain an advantage through strategic player acquisitions.
Ronaldo's absence was notably felt as Al-Nassr managed a narrow victory over Al-Riyadh, closing the gap to league leaders Al-Hilal to just one point. The Pro League's reputation and Ronaldo's influence are at stake as the league navigates this crisis. The outcome of the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad, where Ronaldo's return is anticipated, may prove pivotal in determining the league's future direction and maintaining its competitive integrity.