Christiano Ronaldo‘s absence of Al NassrThe club’s last two games have caused unrest in Saudi Arabia, exposing growing tensions between the Portuguese star and the Saudi Pro League. Although the situation now appears close to resolution, a former teammate and Real Madrid legend has publicly supported Ronaldo amid the “disrespect” shown by the league.
While Ronaldo sat out those matches in protest, the SPL released a statement warning that no player is above a club’s interests. However, that response was not well received Toni Krooswho, amid the uncertainty, chose to side with his former Real Madrid teammate.
Speaking on his podcast Just lick itthe German addressed the issue directly and questioned the league’s position: “The Saudi competition is a strange phenomenon. No one had ever heard of it before Cristiano Ronaldo arrived, and now they’re showing no respect to the man who put it on the world map.”
Ronaldo’s arrival in December 2022 made him the face of Saudi Arabia’s bid to expand its football profile. After his move, several elite players joined the SPLwhile the country also secured hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.
Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos watches during a match.
Despite that investment, Kroes was convinced that the appeal of the competition still depends on Ronaldo’s presence. “If Cristiano leaves tomorrow, this competition will lose all its appeal. Without Ronaldo, no one would watch the Saudi league,concluded the former German midfielder.
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Ronaldo has not publicly discussed the dispute, although reports indicate he has reached an agreement with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and will return to competition. Yet amid the uncertainty, Kroos’ comments reinforce the belief that Ronaldo remains the central figure underpinning the SPL’s global relevance.
Cristiano Ronaldo and a big rise since joining Al Nassr
Ronaldo’s impact on the SPL goes beyond the headlines and influences Al Nassr’s recruitment and fan engagement. Head coach Jorge Jesus and new signings João Félix, Iñigo Martínez and Kingsley Coman have all acknowledged Ronaldo’s role in encouraging their moves to Saudi Arabia.
According to Transfer marketAl Nassr averaged 8,202 fans per match at Al Awwal Park during the 2021-2022 season, prior to Ronaldo’s arrival. That figure rose to at least 16,292 after he joined En has increased to 19,399 this seasonputting Al Nassr among the top three SPL clubs in attendance, trailing only one Al Ahly And Al-Ittihad.
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