Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly refused to play ahead of Al-Nassr's fixture against local rivals Al-Riyadh today.
The 40-year-old forward, who earns a staggering £488,000 daily making him football's highest-paid player in history, is said to be frustrated with how Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is managing his club's finances.
A source within Al-Nassr allegedly informed Portuguese newspaper A Bola that the Portuguese captain feels the sovereign wealth fund is treating rival clubs more favourably than his own side.
The Saudi Pro League outfit may now face their Monday encounter without their talisman, who has netted 18 times across 22 appearances this campaign.
The PIF holds a 75 per cent stake in four top-flight Saudi clubs: Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr.
This investment vehicle has been instrumental in attracting elite talent to the Middle Eastern league through substantial financial packages.
Following Ronaldo's high-profile arrival in Riyadh during 2023, stars including Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly and Riyad Mahrez subsequently relocated to the kingdom, signing with Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli respectively.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 18 goals in 22 games for Al-Nassr this season
|GETTY
All four PIF-backed sides have continued strengthening their squads since then.
However, Ronaldo reportedly believes Al-Nassr has received inferior treatment in the transfer market compared to their domestic competitors.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star remains without a domestic trophy since joining the club.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Man City star gives astonishing interview accusing referees of bias after points dropped in Tottenham draw
- Luke Littler makes feelings clear after Luke Humphries called him 'greatest ever' following Masters triumph
- Lewis Hamilton's 'secret relationship' with Kim Kardashian revealed after duo enjoyed romantic getaway
Five things to know about Cristiano Ronaldo | GB NEWSThe disparity in January transfer activity starkly illustrates Ronaldo's concerns.
Al-Nassr's sole winter acquisition was 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem, whilst Al-Hilal secured Spanish defender Pablo Mari for £1.7million and invested £26m in Rennes attacker Kader Meite.
Simone Inzaghi's side are also reportedly close to completing a further £26m deal for Neom's Saimon Bouabre.
Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus publicly addressed this imbalance last month, stating that his club "does not have the political power of Al-Hilal" — a team he previously coached.
These outspoken remarks triggered a response from Al-Hilal, who requested the Saudi Pro League impose a suspension on Jesus lasting between six months and one year.
Despite the reported unrest, Ronaldo has enjoyed a productive campaign, contributing 18 goals in 22 matches across all competitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo is yet to win the league title with Al-Nassr
|GETTY
His most recent strike came in Al-Nassr's 3-0 victory over Al-Kholood last Friday, marking his 961st career goal.
The Portuguese icon has previously hinted he may not see out his career in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a Dubai awards ceremony in December, Ronaldo expressed his determination to continue playing whilst pursuing his target of 1,000 career goals.
"My passion is high and I want to continue," he said.
"It doesn't matter where I play, whether in the Middle East or Europe.
"I always enjoy playing football and I want to keep going. I will reach the number for sure, if no injuries."