Why Is Cristiano Ronaldo Not Playing Tonight Against Al-Ittihad?

Matchweek 21 in the Saudi Pro League will feature Al Nassr in action against Al Ittihad, as both teams clash with huge ramifications for the title race. However, ahead of the game, only one question seems to be on the mind of every footballing fan: Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today against Al-Ittihad?

The answer to the question is that the Portuguese star will not be in action in the upcoming game. The former Real Madrid star's absence is linked with growing frustration over the lack of investment in the squad by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.

Karim Benzema's move to rivals and league leaders Al Hilal was the final straw for the former Euro winner, as he protested by sitting out. He felt Benzema's move to the Blue Waves was against fair competition and heavily favored his team's direct rivals.

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing in Al Nassr vs Al Ittihad?

The five-time Ballon d'Or was seen training with the team, despite recent reports suggesting he will miss the game. According to Fabrizio Romano, the decision about the 41-year-old's playing status was made on Monday and has not yet changed. It is still to be seen if Jorge Jesus will have his star player available yet again for the remainder of the season.

While Al Nassr has managed to take 15 points from their last five games, the fixture against the upcoming opponents will require the best from the players. The 41-year-old has contributed with 17 goals in 18 games this season, with the next closest scorer at the club being Joao Felix with 13 goals.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo Leave Al Nassr Next Summer?

There are also emerging reports about Portugal's all-time leading scorer thinking about moving away from the Middle East. He is heavily linked with a move back to his home country, to close out his professional career with Sporting CP, being one of the top 5 destinations for the star player.

But it seems he will be seeing out the 2025-26 domestic season with Al Nassr as he hunts for his first league title since joining the club as a free agent in 2023 after leaving Manchester United.