Ronaldo Out, Riyadh Showdown Goes On: The Saudi Pro League Drama Unfolds
2 February 2026
Ronaldo Excluded From Riyadh Showdown
Al Nassr's coaching staff, led by Portuguese boss Jorge Jesus, announced the official starting XI for the Saudi Pro League clash against Riyadh, with Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the squad.
The decision comes amid Ronaldo's dissatisfaction with how the Public Investment Fund manages the club, a contrast to how rivals under the same ownership have been treated.
The lineup for the visitors includes: Pinto, Sultan Al-Ghannam, Inigo Martinez, Mohammed Simakan, Saad Al-Nasser, Ali Al-Hassan, Angelo Gabriel, Ayman Yahya, Sadio Mane, Abdulrahman Greib, and Joao Felix.
Al Nassr sit second in the Saudi Pro League with 43 points, three behind leaders Al Hilal.
The absence has sparked speculation about Ronaldo's relationship with the club's management and his role moving forward, as fans debate whether the team can sustain its title bid without its talisman.
Ronaldo's absence is so dramatic the ball filed a missing-ball report; even the net looked surprised.
With Ronaldo on the bench, the only thing on fire is the camera flash, because the drama scores its own goals.
