Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly launched a boycott of Saudi Pro League matches, causing a significant administrative logjam that has frozen several high-profile player movements. This unprecedented protest has effectively blocked the finalized transfers of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and Youssef En-Nesyri.
The conflict centers on a massive “domino effect” deal that would have seen Benzema join Al-Hilal from Al-Ittihad, subsequently allowing Kanté to return to Europe with Fenerbahçe while En-Nesyri moved to Jeddah to replace Benzema.
Ronaldo’s opposition stems from concerns regarding the league’s competitive integrity and the uneven distribution of financial power. While the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) governs Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal is nearing a private takeover by Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, whose personal wealth allows the club to operate outside the standard PIF budget constraints. Ronaldo reportedly views Al-Hilal’s ability to use independent funding to acquire his former Real Madrid teammate as a direct threat to fair play within the league.
As a result of this internal friction, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner sat out Al-Nassr’s recent clash with Al-Riyadh on February 2, 2026. This tactical absence serves as an ultimatum to league officials and the PIF, as Ronaldo demands more balanced investment across the “Big Four” clubs. While agreements between Fenerbahçe, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Hilal remain ready for activation, the Saudi Pro League has placed all official signatures on hold until they can resolve the standoff with their most influential global ambassador.
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