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CRISIS IN THE SAUDI LEAGUE! Ronaldo's Protest Might Cost $2.4B In Revenue đŸ’„

Cristiano Ronaldo’s boycott over funding issues is threatening the Saudi Pro League’s $2.4 billion sponsorship deal and future prospects.

Martina Mincheva image
Martina Mincheva
10 févr. 2026
2 min de lecture
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Cristiano Ronaldo smiles in Al Nassr’s yellow kit, wearing the captain’s armband before kick-off.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction with the way the Saudi Pro League is funded is hitting the competition hard—financially and on the pitch. The 41-year-old Portuguese star refused to play in Al Nassr’s last two matches, citing tensions over the Public Investment Fund’s support for the club. While PIF bankrolls all teams in the league, Ronaldo insists the funding for his side just isn’t enough.

His absence hasn’t gone unnoticed. FOX Sports, the American TV giant and one of the league’s international partners, reportedly ended its cooperation with the Saudi Football League. According to Speedline on the X platform, this split could have already cost the league around $2.4 billion.

Because of his protest, Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s 1-0 win over Al Riyadh and their 2-0 victory against Al Ittihad. Rumors are swirling that he may not return to the pitch at all unless the club’s investment policy changes.

Despite all the drama, Al Nassr remain second in the standings with 49 points—just one point behind leaders Al Hilal and two ahead of Al Ahli.

The team’s next match is set for February 14 against Al Fateh, but there’s no clarity on whether Ronaldo will suit up.