Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has launched a scathing critique of Cristiano Ronaldo following the forward’s decision to go on strike at Al-Nassr. Murphy accused the Portuguese captain of prioritizing personal grievances over his professional obligations after Ronaldo boycotted Al-Nassr’s narrow 1-0 victory against Al-Riyadh on Monday night.
The 40-year-old superstar reportedly refused to participate in the match to protest what he perceives as a strategic imbalance in how the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) distributes resources among its flagship clubs.
Journalist Ben Jacobs detailed the captain’s frustrations on talkSPORT, noting that Ronaldo’s absence serves as a direct challenge to the PIF’s current management of the league. Insiders suggest that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner specifically opposed the high-profile transfer of his former Real Madrid teammate, Karim Benzema, to league-leading rivals Al-Hilal. Ronaldo allegedly believes the move compromises the fair competition of the Saudi Pro League and argued that Benzema should have either remained at Al-Ittihad or been directed toward Al-Nassr to bolster their own title aspirations.
The disagreement reportedly extends beyond individual personnel to a broader dispute over central funding. Protests from the Al-Nassr fanbase have echoed Ronaldo’s concerns, questioning why Al-Hilal received a disproportionately large financial injection ahead of the Club World Cup while Al-Nassr’s budget remained comparatively restricted. As the club considers imposing heavy fines and disciplinary action for his refusal to play, critics like Murphy argue that the world’s highest-paid athlete should exhibit more gratitude toward the institution.
Murphy expressed his disbelief during a radio broadcast, suggesting that Ronaldo’s immense wealth makes his financial complaints appear hypocritical. The pundit argued that if the striker felt the squad required more investment, he possesses the personal means to alleviate those pressures himself. Despite Ronaldo’s attempts to interfere, Karim Benzema officially finalized his move to Al-Hilal on an 18-month contract this week, further intensifying the rivalry between the two Riyadh-based clubs.
The situation has cast a shadow over Ronaldo’s future in the Middle East, with Portuguese media reporting that the attacker may explore a summer exit despite a contract that runs until 2027. Since his landmark arrival in 2022, the veteran forward has yet to secure a major domestic trophy, watching from the sidelines as Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad claimed recent league titles. With tensions reaching a breaking point, the footballing world awaits to see if the legendary striker will return to the pitch or force a permanent departure.
While addressing the controversy, Danny Murphy slammed the forward’s recent actions: “Perhaps Ronaldo could give some of his earnings to the club so they can hire more players. I have never heard of something so ridiculous in my life, it’s self-indulgent nonsense.”
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