Cristiano Ronaldo is throwing tantrums again. And this time, it's not on the pitch.
Despite earning a mind-blowing $4.4 million per week in Saudi Arabia, the 41-year-old legend is fuming about Al Nassr's lack of transfer activity. He's so angry that he's actually gone on strike, missing their recent match against Al Riyadh.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has returned to training, but word is he'll continue boycotting matches. His frustration? Al Nassr haven't been spending like their big rivals Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.
But here's the million-dollar question: Does Ronaldo actually have a point?
Al Nassr's Transfer Spending Since Ronaldo Arrived
Let's look at the facts. Since Ronaldo joined in January 2023, Al Nassr have spent a massive $482 million on transfers.
That first summer after Ronaldo arrived was wild. They brought in Sadio Mané for $30 million, and he's been brilliant with 60 goal contributions in two seasons. Not bad at all.
The big money went on Otávio from Porto for $65 million. They also grabbed Aymeric Laporte, Seko Fofana, Marcelo Brozović, and Alex Telles. Total summer spending? Around $180 million.
The following seasons saw more big names arrive. Jhon Durán cost $80 million from Aston Villa, though he flopped and left after six months. They also picked up young talents like Angelo Gabriel from Chelsea for $25 million.
Last summer brought even more reinforcements. Kingsley Coman joined from Bayern Munich for $35 million and has been providing goals regularly. João Félix came from Chelsea for up to $58.1 million. Barcelona's Iñigo Martínez arrived on a free transfer.
So Al Nassr have definitely been spending. The problem? This January window has been dead quiet, with only Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Haydeer Abdulkareem coming in.
How Al Nassr Compare to Their Rivals
Here's where things get interesting. Al Hilal have spent an absolutely bonkers $668 million since the Saudi spending spree began. That's way more than anyone else.
And this winter? Al Hilal just picked up Karim Benzema from Al Ittihad. They also grabbed French wonderkid Kader Meïté from Rennes for big money. No wonder Ronaldo is jealous.
But wait. Al Nassr have actually spent more than both Al Ittihad ($446 million) and Al Ahli ($448 million). Yet Al Ittihad won last season's title with Benzema leading the charge. Al Ahli won the AFC Champions League despite spending slightly less.
So maybe the problem isn't spending. Maybe it's what's happening on the pitch. Al Nassr finished third last season under manager Stefano Pioli, despite having international football's all-time top scorer up front.
For punters looking at Saudi Pro League odds, this situation creates uncertainty around Al Nassr's title chances. The team clearly has talent, but internal drama could derail their season completely.
If Ronaldo and Al Nassr can't sort this out, CR7 might be on the move again. He's not retiring before the 2026 World Cup, so he'll need somewhere to play.
Major League Soccer keeps getting mentioned, especially with the Messi rivalry angle. A return to Sporting CP where he started his career seems most likely if he goes back to Europe. Real Madrid? Probably not, but stranger things have happened.
The bottom line? Al Nassr have spent plenty of money. They've brought in quality players. But they're still not winning the big prize. Maybe Ronaldo should look closer to home for answers rather than blaming the transfer committee.
