Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr: Fan messages and behind-the-scenes details of the competition
The question of the continued presence and absence of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo in some of Al-Nassr's matches continues to cast a shadow over the Saudi sports scene, as fans of "Al-Aalami" await the return of their captain to participate effectively, amidst press speculations linking his absence to a state of dissatisfaction with the team's activity in the winter transfer market compared to its rivals.
A night of loyalty in El Clásico
Despite his absence, Cristiano Ronaldo, nicknamed "The Madeira Rocket," was the most prominent presence at the 21st round of the Saudi Professional League, which pitted Al-Nassr against their traditional rivals, Al-Ittihad, at Al-Nassr's home ground, Al-Ahli Park in Riyadh. Al-Nassr fans were keen to send a powerful message of support to their captain. As the seventh minute of the match approached, the stands erupted, displaying banners bearing Ronaldo's name and number (7), accompanied by resounding chants of his name. This underscored the fact that the bond between Ronaldo and the yellow-clad fans extends far beyond the pitch, in a match that Al-Nassr ultimately won 2-0.
The context of the competition and the impact of transfers
These developments come at a time when Saudi football is experiencing unprecedented historical momentum, with the Saudi Professional League (SPL) becoming the focus of global attention after attracting a host of top-tier stars. Reports cited in this story indicate that Ronaldo is concerned about rival clubs strengthening their squads with big names, such as the transfer of French striker Karim Benzema to the Saudi league, and Al-Hilal's dominance at the top of the standings. This puts additional pressure on Al-Nassr's management to bolster the team with signings that match the club's ambitions to compete for domestic and continental titles, especially since the points gap with the league leaders leaves no room for error.
Ronaldo's impact... more than just goals
Since joining Al-Nassr in early 2023 in what was dubbed the "deal of the century," Cristiano Ronaldo has not only been a prolific goalscorer but has also revolutionized the Saudi league's market value and global appeal. On the pitch, the Portuguese star continues to break records, achieving exceptional scoring rates that have propelled him to the top of the team's scoring charts, surpassing previous records held by legends like Moroccan Abderrazak Hamdallah. This proves that he still possesses the passion and ability to make a difference despite his age.
Al-Nasr’s bet remains on the ability of the management and technical staff to contain any passing tensions and provide the appropriate environment for the Portuguese legend to lead the team towards the podiums of victory, relying on the overwhelming fan support that was clearly evident on the night of the Clasico.
