Saudi Pro League officials reject claims of Ronaldo league influence, insisting recruitment and decisions remain strictly club-led

The Saudi Pro League has firmly rejected suggestions that Cristiano Ronaldo can influence league-wide decisions, amid growing uncertainty over the Portugal forward’s future at Al-Nassr Football Club.

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The league’s position was outlined on Friday following reports that Cristiano Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr and Portugal striker, had grown increasingly frustrated with the club’s direction and broader league developments.

The 41-year-old forward was omitted from Al-Nassr’s squad for Monday’s league fixture against Al-Riyadh, triggering reports in Portugal that he had declined to play amid internal discontent.

Cristiano Ronaldo later posted an image of himself training, but doubt remains over whether he will feature in Friday’s match against Al-Ittihad.

According to reports cited by the British Broadcasting Corporation, the player’s dissatisfaction was fuelled by the high-profile transfer of Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to league leaders Al-Hilal earlier this week.

Karim Benzema, a former Real Madrid team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo, made an immediate impact by scoring a hat-trick on his debut in a commanding 6-0 victory over Al-Okhdood.

Both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has driven the rapid expansion and global visibility of the Saudi Pro League.

However, league officials moved swiftly to counter any suggestion that star players could shape recruitment or strategic decisions across clubs.

In a statement to BBC Sport, a Saudi Pro League spokesperson said the competition operates on the principle that each club functions independently under the same regulatory framework.

The spokesperson said clubs retain full control over recruitment, spending and sporting strategy, within financial rules designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.

Acknowledging Cristiano Ronaldo’s stature, the spokesperson said the forward has played an important role in Al-Nassr’s growth since joining in 2022 and remains a fiercely competitive figure.

However, the official stressed that no individual, regardless of profile, determines decisions beyond their own club.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr after leaving Manchester United midway through the 2021 to 2022 season, becoming the highest-paid footballer in history on a reported annual salary of £177 million.

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Despite a prolific scoring record, his only major trophy with the club remains the Arab Club Champions Cup.