Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly set to miss today’s league fixture despite being declared fit, renewing discussion about the superstar’s history of high-profile standoffs with his clubs.
Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has paired extraordinary success with moments of tension throughout his career. The Portuguese forward, who turns 41 on Feb. 5, 2026, has repeatedly shown a willingness to take strong positions when dissatisfied with sporting decisions around him.
A report by Planet Football on Monday said the latest episode involves his current club, Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo again finds himself at the centre of attention.
February 2026 – Al-Nassr
Ronaldo is expected to sit out Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League match against Al-Riyadh, according to reports attributed to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Though available for selection, he did not feature amid claims of frustration with the club’s competitive direction.
Sources cited by Planet Football suggested the player is unhappy with the level of backing Al-Nassr has received compared with domestic rivals. The Saudi Public Investment Fund holds majority ownership in the league’s biggest clubs — Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad — but Ronaldo reportedly believes table leaders Al-Hilal have been strengthened more aggressively in the transfer market.
Still chasing his first league title with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo is said to be disappointed by a quiet January window and concerned the title race may be slipping away. While the team is considered capable of managing against lower-ranked opposition, observers interpreted his absence as a pointed signal of discontent.
October 2022 – Manchester United
A similar confrontation marked the end of Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United. His relationship with manager Erik ten Hag deteriorated after he refused to enter a Premier League match against Tottenham as a late substitute.
He left the bench before the final whistle, walking down the tunnel while play continued — an incident that drew heavy criticism and dominated sports headlines. In a later television interview, Ronaldo acknowledged regret over leaving early but insisted he felt disrespected by the decision.
He featured in only two more league matches before his contract with United was terminated by mutual agreement in November 2022.
August 2021 – Juventus
The pattern first surfaced publicly during his final weeks at Juventus in 2021. Seeking a transfer, Ronaldo asked not to be included in the squad for the opening home match against Empoli. Juventus lost 1–0, and he completed a return to Manchester United days later.
Then-coach Massimiliano Allegri confirmed the forward had indicated his desire to move on. Despite an underwhelming Champions League record in Turin, Ronaldo’s Italian spell produced 101 goals in 134 appearances and five domestic trophies over three seasons.
