11 February 2026
Former Al-Nassr FC spokesperson, journalist Saud Al-Sarami, revealed the behind-the-scenes details of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo's meeting with officials from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Ronaldo did not participate in Al-Nassr's last two matches against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad in rounds 20 and 21 of the Saudi Professional League.
Ronaldo protested the lack of significant signings for the team during the 2026 winter transfer window, compared to other clubs under the PIF umbrella, particularly Al-Hilal, which recently acquired French striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad.
Saud Al-Sarami told Al-Arabiya: "Ronaldo met with representatives of the fund on Sunday, and the issue was resolved. The player has returned to his previous commitments with Al-Nassr." He added: "Ronaldo presented convincing figures and names to the fund's representatives at the meeting, comparing the number of foreign players at Al-Nassr to those at other clubs."
He continued: "Ronaldo said that Al-Nassr signed João Félix on loan from Chelsea in the summer, in addition to Koeman on a three-year contract and Iñigo Martínez on a free transfer, while other clubs made different deals."
The Saudi journalist added: "Ronaldo also highlighted in the meeting that Al-Nassr did not make any significant signings in the winter transfer window. The club signed a local player by simply paying his salary and another player from the Iraqi national team for a nominal fee."
He revealed: "Ronaldo presented the figures spent by Al-Nassr's rival clubs on transfers and named the players on each team."
He added: "The fund's representatives were convinced by Ronaldo's words and asked him, 'What are your demands?' Cristiano replied that he had a team, but their authority had been revoked despite their agreements with important players in the winter transfer window. The deals fell through because their roles were restricted."
Saud Al-Sarami concluded: "Ronaldo was promised that Semedo and Simão would have their full authority restored and that the individuals who hindered their work at Al-Nassr would be removed."
