Cristiano Ronaldo Confronts Criticism Amid Saudi Pro League Title Race

Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Al Nassr in December 2022, raising the Saudi Pro League’s profile. The competition has repeatedly been accused of referee bias and uneven playing conditions. In the winter transfer window, rivals Al Hilal bolstered their squad by acquiring former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, a move that prompted Ronaldo to sit out two league fixtures earlier in the season.

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Following Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Ahli, which extended the club’s eight-point advantage over Al Hilal with a game in hand, Ronaldo publicly condemned the “unrelenting criticism” of the Saudi Pro League. He pledged to detail “many, many bad things” after the season, stressing that football “is not a war” and that not all tactics are permissible.

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Al Nassr’s win left them eight points clear of Al Hilal, who have a game in hand, with four league matches remaining. Ronaldo’s opener against Al Ahli marked his 970th career goal. Securing the title would be his first in Saudi Arabia and his first league crown since joining Al Nassr.

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After the defeat, several Al Ahli players posted on Instagram and Facebook, alleging that referees favored Al Nassr. They argued such bias undermines the league’s integrity. Defender Merih Demiral highlighted Al Ahli’s two Asian Champions League titles, prompting Ronaldo to assert his own five Champions League victories.

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Ronaldo described the ongoing criticism as harmful to the league’s image, noting that many people complain but emphasizing that football should remain a sport rather than a battlefield. He acknowledged a difficult season both on and off the pitch and said he will elaborate on the numerous problems he has observed once the season ends. He reaffirmed his focus on winning the title.

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• “I think this is not good for the league. Everyone complains. This is football, this is not a war. We know we have to fight, everyone wants to win. But not everything is allowed.” — Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr forward

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• “I am going to speak at the end of the season because I've seen many, many bad things.” — Cristiano Ronaldo

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• “For me it's an honour, that's why I continue to play, not just for this present generation but for the previous one and the ones to come.” — Cristiano Ronaldo

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• “Five Champions [League titles], I have! I have five!” — Cristiano Ronaldo, responding to Merih Demiral

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The allegations of referee favoritism threaten the Saudi Pro League’s credibility as it seeks to attract international talent. Ronaldo’s high profile magnifies both praise and scrutiny, meaning his comments could shape perceptions of fairness and influence future foreign player commitments. A league title would also mark a milestone for Al Nassr, intertwining Ronaldo’s legacy with the league’s reputation.

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Al Nassr has four matches left and must preserve its eight-point lead over Al Hilal, who hold a game in hand. Ronaldo has indicated he will deliver a detailed statement after the season, addressing the “many, many bad things” he has observed. The league’s final standings and any official response will reveal whether the criticism eases or intensifies.

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