The Portuguese forward for “Al-Nassr” and five-time Ballon d’Or recipient reportedly boycotted his team’s match. This Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 41. We examine whether it’s time for the celebrated striker to hang up his boots.
In early February, the Portuguese newspaper A Bola revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo was intending to skip “Al-Nassr’s” Saudi Arabian league fixture against “Al-Riyadh.” According to the source, the footballer was displeased with how the Saudi Arabian state investment fund managed the club compared to others. The fund controls four clubs in total: “Al-Hilal,” “Al-Ittihad,” “Al-Nassr,” and “Al-Ahli.” The fund holds a 75% stake in each of them.
Ronaldo voiced his discontent before the transfer of Frenchman Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate, from “Al-Hilal” to “Al-Ittihad.” Cristiano felt his team hadn’t received the necessary reinforcement and refused to play. In the end, he missed the match, Benzema completed his move, and “Al-Nassr” secured a 1-0 victory in their own game.
Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction is understandable. He has been playing for “Al-Nassr” since 2023 but has only won the Asian Champions League with the club during this period. Ronaldo is a maximalist, naturally desiring more. The striker aims to reach the significant milestone of 1,000 career goals while also securing trophies. “Al-Hilal,” significantly bolstered by Benzema’s arrival, was the primary rival standing in the way of “Al-Nassr’s” pursuit of victories. Now, the Portuguese player’s team faces a tougher challenge in scoring goals and achieving wins.
However, should Ronaldo behave this way? Such petulant actions might suggest the player is fatigued. Last summer, he extended his contract with “Al-Nassr” until 2027, a move intended to ensure consistent game time leading up to the 2026 World Cup, with the hope of potentially winning that tournament. Instead of calmly playing and peaking for the World Cup, he’s currently entering a confrontation with the Arabian sheikhs. Despite his eminent status, Ronaldo cannot influence the Saudi Arabian state fund; the sheikhs proved this by executing Benzema’s transfer.
A hint at retirement
On February 3rd, the Portuguese paper Record reported that Ronaldo might leave “Al-Nassr” by the summer. The source indicated the forward is unhappy with his situation at the club and is exploring career continuation options in Europe or Major League Soccer (MLS). This situation is truly unique. Ronaldo earns over €200 million annually, possesses a private jet, has shares in the club, staff, and much more. He offers advice on the new coach to the club’s administration, and they listen to him. He seems to have unrestricted freedom. But was it wise to keep pressuring the sheikhs?
This demanding behavior could stem from exhaustion with life in Saudi Arabia, governed by many rules unfamiliar to Europeans. Specifically, media outlets have repeatedly suggested that the footballer’s wife, Georgina Rodríguez, is tired of this lifestyle. Furthermore, future considerations must be addressed; Ronaldo’s eldest son is a promising athlete who has already been called up to Portugal’s youth national team, yet he must remain in Saudi Arabia with his father. While he trains at the “Al-Nassr” academy, development there is arguably more challenging than in top European academies.
In November 2025, Ronaldo stated that he would soon conclude his career. He admitted that this moment would bring overwhelming emotion, and he plans to prepare for this major step, certain that there will be tears. It seems the tantrums at “Al-Nassr” provide reason to believe this prediction will hold true.
History Repeats Itself
The forward began his career at “Sporting,” moved to England’s “Manchester United,” where he established global fame. This was followed by a transfer to Madrid’s “Real,” yielding numerous records and five Champions League victories. Next came the switch to Italy’s “Juventus.” His farewell from Madrid was poignant—the Portuguese stated he was thrilled to play for the team and achieve such a successful run together. However, later reports suggested otherwise. During his time in Spain, the star accrued tax liabilities, but the club did not support him, unlike how “Barcelona” supported Lionel Messi. This ignited Ronaldo’s anger, and he even accused Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez of betrayal.
At “Juventus,” the player was acquired with expectations of winning the Champions League, but this did not materialize. Ronaldo became the scapegoat for all the team’s failures, despite scoring over a hundred goals in three seasons and leading the club to two Italian league titles. Following this, the Portuguese returned to “Manchester United,” simultaneously initiating a lawsuit against the Italians concerning unpaid wages. After the COVID-19 pandemic began, “Juventus” reached an agreement with Ronaldo for a deferred payment of €19.6 million, with a supplementary agreement for bonuses totaling this amount until July 31, 2021, which were never paid, leading the Portuguese player to sue the club. He won the case on January 19th of this year.
His return to “Manchester United” was met with high expectations from his fans. Ronaldo started reasonably well in England but subsequently lost his place in the starting lineup, failing to find common ground with head coach Erik ten Hag. Ultimately, while still with the club, Ronaldo gave an interview to journalist Piers Morgan in which he harshly criticized “Manchester United.” He departed for the Saudi Arabian club amidst such controversy.
Outlook
Ronaldo should cease these boycotts. He needs match fitness, not scandals—the thousand-goal mark and the 2026 World Cup lie ahead. However, it seems unlikely he will manage a move to a top European club from “Al-Nassr.” He will conclude his career regardless of how the World Cup ultimately turns out for the Portuguese national team. It is time for Ronaldo to rest; he has played enough.
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