Cristiano Ronaldo may be stepping back from any plans to help take over Al-Nassr, according to reports, with the Saudi club's administrative and financial troubles reportedly giving him pause.
The Portugal captain has been at Al-Nassr since December 2022, and his current contract runs until 2027. Al-Nassr, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, have reportedly been carrying debts exceeding $200 million, according to Firstpost, and did not strengthen their squad as aggressively as some domestic rivals during the summer transfer window.
From Consortium Talk to Cold Feet
According to 365Scores Arabic, via World Soccer Talk, Ronaldo had been linked with joining a consortium to take over the club. But a more recent report from 365Scores, via Al-Nassr Zone, suggests the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is now contemplating stepping away from that idea altogether, citing the club's financial and administrative issues.
Per the report, a lack of clear direction from the current management and ongoing administrative instability could stand in the way of Ronaldo committing to any long-term investment project. No final decision has been made, but the appetite for acquiring the club appears to have cooled for now.
A Quiet Start to the Season
On the pitch, Ronaldo has had a fairly low-key start to his fourth full season at Al-Nassr since joining as a free agent in December 2022. He came into the campaign off an extended break following Portugal's involvement at the FIFA World Cup, where they lost 1-0 to eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16.
Ronaldo scored on his season debut, coming off the bench to net Al-Nassr's fourth goal in a 4-1 Saudi Pro League win at Al-Riyadh last month. He also found the net as Ange Postecoglou's side beat Al-Taawoun 2-1 and Abha 2-1, both at home.
Most recently, though, Ronaldo drew a blank as Al-Nassr opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a heavy 4-0 defeat away to Al-Ain in midweek.
