Saudi Pro League Fires Back as Ronaldo Threatens to Quit: Who Really Funded the Big-Spend?

Background

Saudi officials, speaking indirectly, addressed the accusations launched by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star and Al Nassr captain, who had threatened to leave the club.

Ronaldo missed the latest match against Al-Riyadh on Monday in the 20th round of the Roshen Pro League, citing that his club did not receive the same support as rivals, notably Al-Hilal.

Sky Sports reported that the Portuguese star is considering departing the Saudi league in the upcoming summer transfer window, even though his contract runs through the 2026-27 season.

Details, numbers, and the road ahead

Ronaldo also holds a release clause in his Al-Nassr contract that would allow him to depart next summer for 43 million pounds, or about 50 million euros.

According to the network, Saudi officials responded by stating that Al-Hilal’s winter deals were not funded by the Public Investment Fund or the league body, specifically the signing of French striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.

Officials told Ronaldo that Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, the honorary president of Al Hilal, financed those deals, and that this financing is outside the administration of the Fund and the league.

Separately, league officials justified the winter window for Al-Nassr as only signing Iraqi Haider Abdul Karim from Al-Zawra, citing the large sums spent in the summer window.

Nassr allegedly spent over 100 million pounds in the previous summer window on several players, including Portuguese Joao Felix, French Kingsley Coman, and Spanish Inigo Martinez.

Officials urged the Madrigal Rocket to end his strike and return to the upcoming match against Al-Ittihad on Friday in Round 21 of the Roshen Pro League.

Note that Al-Nassr currently sits second in the Saudi Pro League standings this season with 46 points, one behind leaders Al-Hilal.