Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Al Nassr’s big clash with Al Ittihad on Friday, February 6, 2026 and it’s not because of injury or fitness.
According to Fabrizio Romano via their x handle, Ronaldo is sitting out the match as part of a professional protest. There are no issues with the coaching staff or his physical condition. Instead, the decision is linked to growing frustration behind the scenes.
BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo remains OUT for Al Nassr next game vs Al Ittihad on Friday. As revealed here on Monday; no issues with Al Nassr staff or management, no injury, no fitness problems. Upset for PIF management with some of SPL clubs.
Ronaldo has returned to Al Nassr training today, February 5, his 41st birthday, but his availability for matches remains on hold. Reports from Softfootball suggest he is unhappy with the level of backing Al Nassr received in the winter transfer window, especially compared to rivals Al Hilal, who strengthened heavily, including the high-profile signing of Karim Benzema.
The Portuguese star is also said to be pushing for more freedom for Al Nassr’s key executives, Simão Coutinho and José Semedo, whose influence over transfers has reportedly been reduced by the board. Ronaldo wants clearer control and stronger backing if the club is to compete properly for trophies.
On the pitch, his standards remain sky-high. This season, he has scored 18 goals in all competitions, with 17 of those coming in the league. His career tally now stands at 961 goals as he continues to chase the historic 1,000-goal mark.
There is also growing tension about his future. Reports suggest Ronaldo could consider leaving in the summer if assurances over Al Nassr’s project and transfer independence are not given, with a release clause believed to drop to €50 million. For now, he remains in training and under contract — but the standoff with PIF management is clearly far from over.
