Ronaldo Snubs Riyadh Derby: The Shocking Reason Behind His Absence
1 February 2026
Ronaldo to Miss Monday's Saudi Derby
A Sunday report states Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of Al Nassr, is set to be absent from the team\'s upcoming match against Al Riyadh in the Roshen Saudi League.
The Portuguese newspaper A Bola notes that the reason is not a health issue or fatigue, but related to dissatisfaction with how the Saudi Public Investment Fund runs the club and the treatment of rivals funded by the same entity.
According to information from an Al Nassr source, Ronaldo is unhappy with the fund\'s management, especially in comparison with rivals who are handled by the same fund, such as Al Hilal which includes Ruben Neves in its ranks.
Fabrizio Romano, the transfer expert, has suggested Ronaldo will not miss for technical or fitness reasons.
Romano, via X, stated that Ronaldo will not participate in the upcoming match between Al Nassr and Al Riyadh and emphasized that the absence is not health or fitness related.
The story highlights ongoing tensions in the Saudi league, with the public investment fund at the center of club governance debates.
Punchline 1: If Ronaldo is skipping a derby over administration, maybe the calendar deserves a yellow card for overbooking him.
Punchline 2: When a legend misses a game because of management drama, even the ball starts filing a missing ball report.
