New Delhi: Cristiano Ronaldo is not happy at Al-Nassr and has reportedly gone on a strike, refusing to play for the club. Ronaldo is one of the highest-earning footballers in the world and is arguably the biggest name in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo was not in Al-Nassr’s squad as they defeated Al Riyadh 1-0 in a Saudi Pro League match on Monday.

Sadio Mane scored the winning goal for Al-Nassr, who remain in the second spot on the Saudi Pro League points table with 46 points from 19 matches after their win over Al Riyadh. Ronaldo’s absence from the squad came as a surprise to many, as the 40-year-old is not injured and has been in great form so far this season.

As per Sky Sports, Ronaldo was not part of the squad as he appears to have gone on a strike over the running of the club. He is particularly unhappy about the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market this season, which has hampered his chances of winning his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy that Al-Nassr have not been allowed to reinforce their squad in the January transfer window, hampering their chances of winning the Saudi Pro League title. Al-Nassr is one of the four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Ronaldo believes the other three clubs – Al Hilal, Al Ahli and Al Ittihad are getting favoured by the owners in the transfer market, while Al-Nassr is being ignored. Al-Nassr have made only one signing in the January transfer window, roping in 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem.

Al Hilal, on the other hand, have been one of the busiest Saudi Pro League clubs in the January transfer window. Al Hilal signed former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on a free transfer from Al Ittihad on Monday and have also completed deals for former Arsenal defender Pablo Mari and Rennes’ Kader Meite.

They are also close to signing French U21 international Saimon Bouabré from Neom for a fee of around $33 million. Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with Al-Nassr’s lack of ambition in the transfer market and believes the PIF is backing the other three clubs with more money. The 40-year-old is reportedly training alone after disagreements with Al-Nassr’s top brass.

According to a BBC report, Ronaldo is particularly unhappy that rivals Al Hilal signed Benzema on a free transfer from Al Ittihad to strengthen their attack midway through the season. Benzema joined Al Hilal on a free after salary disagreements at Al Ittihad.

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in January 2023, has been one of the most prolific scorers in the Saudi Pro League ever since his arrival. He signed a new two-year contract at the club last year. Despite his goal-scoring heroics, Ronaldo is yet to win his maiden Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, adding to his frustrations.

The Portuguese icon, who reportedly earns over $230 million per year at the club, has scored 17 goals for Al-Nassr so far this season and is only 39 short of completing 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo has, in the past, too underlined the club’s lack of ambition in the transfer market while expressing his desire to win the Saudi Pro League.