Ronaldo's Quiet Exit Sparks a Leadership Showdown in Saudi Pro League
6 February 2026
Ronaldo's Absence Overshadows the Saudi Derby
All attempts to involve the Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al-Nassr, in the Friday clash with Al-Ittihad at Al-Ol Park, on matchday 21 of the Roshen Saudi League, fell short.
Jesus Considers Protest, Ownership Tensions Escalate
The Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiya reported that attempts to persuade Ronaldo to suit up were unsuccessful, due to his ongoing anger with the owners over a lack of new signings in the January window and the suspension of the club's administrative powers under CEO Jose Semedo and sporting director Seimao Cotinho.
In a show of solidarity, Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus is weighing not attending the post-match press conference after the clash.
Jesus had already skipped the post-match press conference after their previous meeting with Riyadh and did not hold a pre-match press conference before facing Al-Ittihad either.
Punchlines: If absence makes the heart grow fonder, Ronaldo's absence might finally show the board that money can't buy loyalty. If Jesus is a magician, his disappearing act at press conferences is so good that even the reporters vanish.
