Cristiano Ronaldo’s relationship with new Al Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou already seems to be beneath scrutiny simply three matches into the season.
Al Nassr accomplished a exceptional comeback from two objectives all the way down to beat rivals Al Ettifaq 3-2 on Tuesday, nevertheless it was no because of Ronaldo, who earns an astronomical £488,000 a day, that the reigning champions claimed all three factors.
The guests gave the impression to be heading for defeat after enduring a disastrous first half which noticed goalkeeper Bento despatched off within the twelfth minute for a problem on former Fulham striker Moussa Dembele after dashing out of his field.
Al Ettifaq capitalised, with Ondrej Duda and Alvaro Medran discovering the again of the online to grab management of the competition and take a two-goal lead into half-time.
Ronaldo, making his first begin of the season following his return from the summer season’s World Cup, lower a pissed off determine as he headed in the direction of the dressing room on the break.
The 41-year-old ahead was seen angrily gesturing and eradicating his captain’s armband as he walked down the tunnel.
Postecoglou then boldly opted to take away Ronaldo earlier than the beginning of the second half in what turned out to be an impressed transfer.
Ronaldo could not assist however disguise his frustration after enduring a disastrous first half which noticed the reigning champions path by two objectives and lowered to 10 males
He was seen angrily gesturing and eradicating his captain’s armband as he walked down the tunnel at half-time
Postecoglou then boldly opted to take away Ronaldo earlier than the beginning of the second half in what turned out to be an impressed transfer
Sadio Mane sparked the revival within the 74th minute earlier than defender Abdulelah Al Amri levelled the match three minutes later. Mane then discovered the again of the online once more within the ninetieth minute to finish the turnaround and seal victory.
Footage of the post-match celebrations confirmed no signal of Ronaldo, whereas Postecoglou refused to indulge questions on his controversial name to drop the Portugal star after the match.
‘I feel there’s a much bigger story right this moment, and that’s that ten males of Al Nassr had been unbelievable. That is all you must write about right this moment, every little thing else would not matter.
‘It would not matter what group as a result of in the event you see 10 males in these situations for thus lengthy, 2-0 down to come back again, that is the one story right this moment.’
Controversy seems to have adopted Ronaldo since his transfer to the Center East in January 2023, following his public fallout with Manchester United.
Originally of the 12 months Ronaldo went on strike over what he believed was a scarcity of motion by Al Nassr within the switch window. This stemmed from the switch of former Actual Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema to league rival – and fellow Saudi Arabia Public Funding Fund (PIF) membership – Al-Hilal.
In response to A Bola, Al-Nassr is assumed to have resolved the strike by reinstating sure powers to administrators Jose Semedo and Simao Coutinho.
Semedo was appointed chief govt on the membership in July 2025, and is an in depth good friend of Ronaldo, whereas sporting director Coutinho was equally appointed final summer season. Each are alleged to have had their wings clipped to stop the membership from making strikes throughout the January window.
Ronaldo can also be stated to have been incensed over unequal remedy inside the membership itself, taking challenge with various delays to salaries of employees – and Al-Nassr is assumed to have settled excellent funds in an extra try and see Ronaldo again on the pitch.
An announcement shared with Every day Mail Sport steered Ronaldo’s claims had been unfounded.
‘The Saudi Professional League is structured round a easy precept: each membership operates independently beneath the identical guidelines,’ they stated.
‘Golf equipment have their very own boards, their very own executives and their very own soccer management. Selections on recruitment, spending and technique sit with these golf equipment, inside a monetary framework designed to make sure sustainability and aggressive steadiness. That framework applies equally throughout the league.
‘Cristiano has been totally engaged with Al Nassr since his arrival and has performed an vital function within the membership’s progress and ambition. Like several elite competitor, he needs to win. However no particular person – nevertheless vital – determines selections past their very own membership.’
Ronaldo claimed his first league title with Al Nassr final season.
