Uncertainty surrounds the future of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo with his Saudi club Al-Nassr, given his absence from recent matches and conflicting reports about his status within the team. A report by The Athletic, citing sources within the club, revealed a state of uncertainty regarding the team captain's future plans, fueling widespread speculation among fans and the media.
Ronaldo's absence from recent training sessions, particularly before the crucial Clasico against Al-Ittihad, raised many questions, especially given the lack of an official statement explaining his absence. Although he later returned to training, he did not participate in the match, which his team won 2-0, further fueling speculation about an underlying issue.
Background of a historic transfer and its impact on Saudi football
Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Al-Nassr in December 2022 marked a historic turning point, not only for the club but for the entire Saudi Professional League. This move came after a legendary career in Europe with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, during which he won the highest individual and team titles. His transfer was not merely a sporting deal, but a strategic project aimed at putting Saudi football on the global map and drawing the world's attention to the Saudi Professional League. Indeed, the "Ronaldo effect" led to a massive increase in television broadcasting rights, attracted international sponsors, and encouraged other stars to join the league, thus raising its technical and marketing value to unprecedented levels.
The importance of Ronaldo's continuity and its potential impact
Any doubts about Ronaldo's continued presence at Al-Nassr carry significant repercussions. Domestically, Ronaldo is the team's captain and top scorer, and his absence would directly impact the club's ambitions to compete for the league title and the AFC Champions League. Regionally and internationally, his presence is a cornerstone of the ambitious Saudi sports project. His continued presence ensures the club maintains its media and fan momentum, while his potential departure could raise questions about the project's sustainability and its ability to retain star players in the long term. This season, the 39-year-old Portuguese star has participated in 22 matches across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 3 assists, highlighting his immense value to the team.
Al-Nassr is preparing for crucial upcoming matches, starting with an away game against Turkmenistan's Arkadağ in the Round of 16 of the AFC Champions League, followed by a match against Al-Fateh in the 22nd round of the Roshan League. Ronaldo's participation in these matches will be a significant indicator of his future with the club.
