Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to miss today’s league match despite being fully fit, adding another chapter to a career that has blended extraordinary success with high-profile disputes.
Widely regarded as one of football’s all-time greats, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has also built a reputation for openly voicing displeasure when circumstances at his clubs fall short of his standards. Ronaldo, who turns 41 on February 5, 2026, has never hidden his frustration in such moments.
Planet Football reported on Monday that the Portugal captain, now with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, is again at the centre of attention in February 2026.
February 2026 – Al-Nassr
Ronaldo is expected to sit out Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Riyadh today, despite being available for selection. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development, which has been linked to growing discontent over the club’s direction.
According to Planet Football, sources close to the situation say Ronaldo is unhappy with the level of backing Al-Nassr receive from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which controls the league’s four major clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad.
“Sources close to the situation indicated that Ronaldo was unhappy with how Al-Nassr were being supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF),” Planet Football reported, noting his belief that rivals Al-Hilal have enjoyed stronger backing and are close to signing Karim Benzema.
Still chasing his first league title with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is said to be frustrated by a quiet January transfer window and concerned that the title race may be slipping away. While the team is expected to cope against lower-ranked opposition, his absence has been widely viewed as a statement of protest.
October 2022 – Manchester United
Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United ended amid tension with then-manager Erik ten Hag. The situation escalated during a Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur when Ronaldo declined to come on as a late substitute.
Feeling disrespected, he left the bench and walked down the tunnel before the final whistle, an incident that drew heavy criticism and dominated headlines.
Reflecting on the episode in an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo later acknowledged some regret but stood by his feelings at the time.
“I regret leaving the stadium,” he said. “But at the same time, I felt provoked. It’s not acceptable for me to be put on for three minutes. I know what I can give to a team.”
He featured in just two more league games before his contract was terminated by mutual agreement in November 2022.
August 2021 – Juventus
Ronaldo’s earliest refusal came during his final weeks at Juventus. In the summer of 2021, as he sought a move away from the club, he asked not to be selected for the season-opening home match against Empoli.
Juventus went on to lose 1–0, and Ronaldo completed his return to Manchester United shortly after. Then-coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that the forward no longer wished to play for the Turin side.
Despite missing out on Champions League glory, Ronaldo’s spell at Juventus was statistically successful, yielding 101 goals in 134 appearances and five trophies across three seasons.
