Ronaldo in Crossfire: Ambassadors, Managers, and the Saudi Pro League Drama

Ronaldo under scrutiny as Saudi project faces turbulence

Saudi media figure Walid Al-Farag intensifies his critique of Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of Al Nassr, following his latest controversy in the Saudi Pro League.

Ronaldo missed Al Nassr's recent match against Riyadh in the 20th round, with reports suggesting the reason was Karim Benzema's move from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal.

On his program on MBC Action, Al-Farag said Ronaldo's absence was presented as a rest, while Western outlets linked him to a Portugal trip, talks with Manchester United, or a possible MLS move.

He insisted the rumors were noise, a psychological war, and noted Ronaldo appeared visibly upset, with some arguing the leader team is getting more support from rivals.

The broadcaster argued Ronaldo's frustration stems from results since the Public Investment Fund began reshaping the four clubs.

He listed tallies: Al Hilal has won the league and the cup once and the Super Cup twice; Al Ittihad claimed league and cup last season; Al Ahli lifted the AFC Champions League Elite and the Saudi Super Cup.

In contrast, Al Nassr has so far won only the 2023 Arab Club Championship, and finished as runners-up in both the league and the King’s Cup in 2024.

Al-Farag concluded that Ronaldo's disappointment is not about Benzema's transfer or the winter market but about outcomes that fall short of expectations for a global star who anchors the Saudi project.

He warned that attempts to calm the situation are ongoing, but if Ronaldo misses the upcoming clash with Al Ittihad, another chapter in Ronaldo’s Saudi saga will unfold.

The discussion ends with a note that the saga is far from over, leaving fans to wonder whether Ronaldo can reconcile his star status with a project still growing its roots.

Punchline 1: If ambition had a passport, Ronaldo would stamp it with Saudi visa stamps and a trophy sleeve. Punchline 2: In this drama, the ball stays loud, the rumors stay loud, and the trophy case remains politely waiting for a quiet moment to finally arrive.