Cristiano Ronaldo's Absence Leaves Saudi Pro League Struggling with Questions Over its Global Appeal
A day that promised to be about on-field action turned into a media storm when Cristiano Ronaldo failed to show up for Al-Nassr's match against Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League's biggest draw. The 40-year-old superstar is said to be unhappy over the lack of investment his club received during the transfer window and may even consider leaving despite earning an enormous daily wage.
Ronaldo's absence overshadowed a thrilling game that saw Sadio Mané score the only goal for Al-Nassr, but it also raised awkward questions about the league's global appeal. With Ronaldo at the helm since signing in January 2023, Saudi Pro League has seen a significant boost in attention, especially after the arrival of other big-name players like Karim Benzema.
However, mid-season recruitment has been underwhelming, and Al-Hilal's splashing out on Mohamed Meïté, Pablo Marí, and two Saudi internationals was overshadowed by the news that Ronaldo may have gone on strike to prevent his former Real Madrid teammate from joining their ranks. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs the other members of the "Big Four," is said to be keen to keep Benzema in the country.
The comments of Sami Al-Jaber, a Saudi Arabia legend who has played for clubs including Wolves, have highlighted the growing concern over the influence of global stars like Ronaldo on the league. Al-Jaber warned that these players are exploiting their power and international media outlets to control events in their favor, leaving fans feeling nostalgic about the old days.
The absence of its biggest star leaves Saudi Pro League struggling to regain its footing and raises questions about who is in charge - PIF, the league, the clubs, or the big stars. Ronaldo's decision may be seen as a major blow to the league's global appeal, and it remains to be seen how it will recover from this setback.
The league has always relied on megastars like Ronaldo to draw attention, but with their power coming at a cost, the question is whether Saudi Pro League can maintain its position in the football world without losing its soul. The absence of Ronaldo may have sent a signal that the league needs to re-examine its priorities and find a balance between giving players what they want while maintaining control over the game.
A day that promised to be about on-field action turned into a media storm when Cristiano Ronaldo failed to show up for Al-Nassr's match against Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League's biggest draw. The 40-year-old superstar is said to be unhappy over the lack of investment his club received during the transfer window and may even consider leaving despite earning an enormous daily wage.
Ronaldo's absence overshadowed a thrilling game that saw Sadio Mané score the only goal for Al-Nassr, but it also raised awkward questions about the league's global appeal. With Ronaldo at the helm since signing in January 2023, Saudi Pro League has seen a significant boost in attention, especially after the arrival of other big-name players like Karim Benzema.
However, mid-season recruitment has been underwhelming, and Al-Hilal's splashing out on Mohamed Meïté, Pablo Marí, and two Saudi internationals was overshadowed by the news that Ronaldo may have gone on strike to prevent his former Real Madrid teammate from joining their ranks. The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs the other members of the "Big Four," is said to be keen to keep Benzema in the country.
The comments of Sami Al-Jaber, a Saudi Arabia legend who has played for clubs including Wolves, have highlighted the growing concern over the influence of global stars like Ronaldo on the league. Al-Jaber warned that these players are exploiting their power and international media outlets to control events in their favor, leaving fans feeling nostalgic about the old days.
The absence of its biggest star leaves Saudi Pro League struggling to regain its footing and raises questions about who is in charge - PIF, the league, the clubs, or the big stars. Ronaldo's decision may be seen as a major blow to the league's global appeal, and it remains to be seen how it will recover from this setback.
The league has always relied on megastars like Ronaldo to draw attention, but with their power coming at a cost, the question is whether Saudi Pro League can maintain its position in the football world without losing its soul. The absence of Ronaldo may have sent a signal that the league needs to re-examine its priorities and find a balance between giving players what they want while maintaining control over the game.
. They've got some big-name players like Ronaldo and Benzema, but if they're just going to rely on them to bring in fans, it's not sustainable in the long run. What they need is a solid foundation, a good system, and some homegrown talent that can give their fans something to cheer about 
. If they can sort that out, I think they might have a chance. But until then...
you know what's weird, i just saw this video of a cat trying to "help" someone cook in the kitchen, it was literally sitting on the counter, batting at utensils 
anyway, back to cristiano ronaldo, i think it's crazy how much attention he gets for even showing up to games... like, what if he just wants to enjoy a quiet evening in his mansion instead of being the center of attention? 
. I mean, you'd think having Cristiano Ronaldo on board would boost the Saudi Pro League's appeal big time 
️, but it seems like his absence has brought up some major concerns 
. The league's power dynamics are a bit shady, if you ask me 
, while Ronaldo just gets to call the shots whenever he wants 
. Maybe it's time for the league to reevaluate its priorities and find a better balance between giving the fans what they want and keeping the game from getting too out of hand 
.
and money that they can't even show up for a match? And now Cristiano Ronaldo's gone on strike over some nonsense about investment? Give me a break! 
What happened to the good old days when players just played for love of game, not for a paycheck? 
It's all so fake 
and I'm not buying it.
They're all about the megastars but when one of 'em decides to leave, they can't handle it 
. Ronaldo's been a huge draw, no doubt, but now that he's gone... *shrugs* ...what's next? Are they gonna try 2 bring in another big-name player just 2 fill the void or do they need 2 take responsibility 4 themselves? 
al-jaber's comments about players exploiting their power are spot on tho 
. it's like, we know ronaldo is worth a lot, but does he really have to dictate who plays in his matches? 
al-nassr's game was gonna be lit but ronaldo not showin up lol 
cuz of all these big names comin in and out like they're playin a never endin poker tournament 
but at the same time i get why he's unhappy about the lack of investment 
but maybe that's just part of the game now 
we gotta find a balance between makin money and keepin the spirit of the sport