Riyadh Showdown Sparks Card-Crisis: Ronaldo Missing, Five Al-Nassr Teammates at Risk
2 February 2026
What’s at stake
Ronaldo isn’t the only headache for Al-Nassr ahead of a key Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh: five teammates are at risk of suspension.
According to Al-Yom, the at-risk quintet are Ayman Yahya, Sultan Al-Ghannam, Joao Felix, Angelo, and Martinez, who could miss the Al-Ittihad derby if booked against Riyadh.
Al-Nassr host Al-Ittihad on Friday in Round 21.
Ronaldo, suspensions and official notes
Ronaldo will miss the Riyadh game by a decision attributed to the Madeira rocket.
A Bola quoted a source saying Ronaldo is unhappy with how the Public Investment Fund runs the club, compared with rivals under the same umbrella, like Al-Hilal with Ruben Neves.
Romano later said Ronaldo won’t miss for technical or fitness reasons.
Romano added on X that Ronaldo will not play against Al-Nassr–Al-Riyadh, and the absence isn’t tied to health or workload.
Punchlines: If five cards rain down, the bench will turn into a magician’s hat. In this league, suspense is a key player.
Riyadh's stadium will be buzzing as kick-off approaches.
