Cristiano Ronaldo’s standoff with Al-Nassr has shaken the Saudi Pro League, drawing warnings from former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos.
The Portuguese forward refused to play in his club’s last two matches amid a dispute with ownership, sparking speculation about the league’s reliance on its biggest star.
Toni Kroos, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2014 to 2018, did not mince words when discussing the situation in an interview with Bryan Nassr.
“The Saudi league is a world apart. Nobody knew about it before Cristiano arrived. And now they’re disrespecting the man who brought them international glory. I’m telling you, if Ronaldo leaves tomorrow, nobody will watch this league anymore,” Kroos said as per Foot Mercato.
Ronaldo, who signed with Al-Nassr last summer on a deal running through 2027, has been in fine form in Saudi Arabia despite being 41. But the ongoing dispute with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the club’s management cast uncertainty over whether he will complete his contract.
The superstar reportedly has a 43 million release clause, and rumors are swirling about a potential return to Europe or a move to Major League Soccer.
The stand-off began when Ronaldo refused to take the field for Al-Nassr’s last two games, reportedly over unpaid salaries and disagreements with club leadership.
According to reports, the PIF responded to the pressure by settling some outstanding wages for club staff and engaging in discussions to reinstate CEO Jose Semedo and Sporting Director Simao Coutinho, who were asked to step aside in December.
Ronaldo ends strike, set to return to action
After nearly a week of speculation, Ronaldo has reportedly ended his strike and is set to return to action this weekend. He will not participate in Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Two match against Arkadag on Wednesday, but sources indicate he will be available for the Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh on Saturday.
The drama highlights Ronaldo‘s outsized influence in Saudi football. Kroos‘ warning underscores how much the league has grown around its marquee signing.
“Nobody knew about it before Cristiano arrived,” Kroos noted, emphasizing the commercial and global impact the player has had. Without him, the league risks losing both international attention and domestic viewership.
Ronaldo‘s ongoing career demonstrates remarkable longevity. Even in his forties, he continues to draw headlines for both on-field performances and off-field influence.
His time at Al-Nassr has been marked by impressive statistics, leadership, and the kind of star power that has elevated the Saudi Pro League to international prominence in just a year.
The coming weeks will test both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr as the league seeks stability and the player considers his long-term future.
