Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of Al-Nassr's Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh, despite being fully fit and available for selection.
This decision has sparked debate about his history of high-profile disputes at the club level.
The 41-year-old, who turns 41 on February 5, 2026, is one of football's most celebrated figures, but his career has been marked by controversy.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Ronaldo's exclusion is linked to growing frustration over Al-Nassr's strategic direction, particularly regarding support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Sources close to the situation indicate Ronaldo is unhappy with Al-Nassr's relatively quiet January transfer window and concerned the title race is slipping away.
This echoes previous incidents, such as his second spell at Manchester United, where tensions with manager Erik ten Hag led to a public breakdown, and his time at Juventus, where he requested not to be selected for a match while pushing for a transfer.
Ronaldo's competitive drive and uncompromising standards continue to shape his legacy and career narratives.
Al-Nassr are expected to manage without him against lower-ranked opposition, but the decision to leave him out has been interpreted as a symbolic protest.
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