Overview
- Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of Al‑Nassr’s squad for a second straight match against Al‑Ittihad despite returning to training this week.
- Reports say he has warned senior Saudi figures he could leave over what he sees as unequal transfer support for Al‑Nassr.
- The flashpoint was Karim Benzema’s move from Al‑Ittihad to Al‑Hilal and a debut hat‑trick for the league leaders, while Al‑Nassr made modest January additions.
- The Saudi Pro League stated that clubs make their own recruitment decisions within shared financial rules and that no individual dictates league policy; multiple reports say Benzema’s deal was privately financed.
- Fans in Riyadh displayed support for Ronaldo during his absence, as coverage continues to note a reported €50m release clause that could shape summer options.