رونالدو مع نادي النصر في ملعب المملكة أرينا، 12 يناير 2026 (ْGetty)
Al-Ahli Saudi FC Sporting Director Rui Pedro discussed the significant impact Cristiano Ronaldo has had on the Saudi League, even as the Portuguese superstar recently voiced concerns with the Saudi Investment Fund regarding perceived preferential treatment given to rival club Al-Hilal in the race for the league title.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports on Monday, February 16, 2026, Pedro emphasized Ronaldo’s role in elevating the profile of Saudi football. He stated that Ronaldo is free to express his opinions as he sees fit and has personal reasons for his recent protest and absence from Al-Nassr training.
“As a Portuguese national, I, like many others – perhaps even more so – have the utmost respect for Cristiano Ronaldo and all Portuguese professionals here in Saudi Arabia,” Pedro said. “It’s not my place to comment on the way he chose to express his position; he certainly has his reasons.
“What I can say is that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the primary credit for us being here today and for having the opportunity to work in Saudi Arabia. He opened the doors to Saudi Arabia for the rest of the world and I believe that is the greatest appreciation that can be given to him. And what he continues to do, game after game, is to continue scoring and raising numbers to incredible levels.”
Ronaldo recently made headlines after stepping away from Al-Nassr, reportedly frustrated with the Saudi Investment Fund’s transfer policy and a perceived lack of investment in the squad compared to competitors, particularly following the transfer of French striker Karim Benzema from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal.
Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s recent victories against Al-Riyadh and Al-Ittihad, but the team still managed to secure second place in the league standings, trailing Al-Hilal by just one point. He was also rested for the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Arkadag Turkmenistani on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, but returned to the lineup over the weekend, leading Al-Nassr to a 2-0 win against Al-Fateh.
