Unexpected Ally Backs Cristiano Ronaldo's Controversial Al Nassr Goal

Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus supported Cristiano Ronaldo in his firm conviction that the Saudi Pro League team faces financial challenges compared to other clubs in the Kingdom's premier division.

Ronaldo missed two domestic fixtures this month as part of his objection to what he sees as monetary inequality in Saudi Arabian football. Multiple sources indicate that the world's highest-earning player was frustrated by limited investment in new signings during the January transfer period—particularly when compared to Al Hilal's recruitment spree, highlighted by signing his ex-Real Madrid colleague Karim Benzema.

Having previously managed Al Hilal, Jesus felt qualified to address this contentious issue. "I've already worked at Al Hilal. I've experienced the other perspective, so I understand that situation," he reflected after Ronaldo rejoined the squad and found the net on Saturday. "I previously benefited from those advantages. They possess greater financial strength.

"During my time there, I gained as a manager. It's expected. Al Nassr, operating with different resources, must compete for championship positions. We need to remain resilient."

Ronaldo Being Fed His Own Fantasies

Ronaldo Being Fed His Own Fantasies

Ronaldo has built himself a supportive environment in Saudi Arabia. With two former Sporting CP academy graduates on Al Nassr's executive board and his fellow Portuguese Jesus as manager, virtually nobody at the organization appears positioned (or willing) to challenge his viewpoint.

It required an official league statement—from an organization supported by one of the world's wealthiest entities—to remind Ronaldo that he cannot influence other teams' transfer activities. Nevertheless, Al Nassr haven't exactly been frugal with their spending.

Following Ronaldo's move to Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal have significantly outspent Al Nassr in transfer expenditures, investing approximately $668 million versus their $482 million. Nevertheless, Jesus and Ronaldo represent the league's second-highest spenders during this timeframe, which importantly excludes salary considerations. With Ronaldo allegedly earning around $700 million across his three Saudi years, complaints about financial constraints seem unconvincing.

Jesus continues portraying a narrative of disadvantage. "That's the reason for my appointment, to narrow the divide between Al Hilal and Al Nassr, regarding trophies and league standings," he stated. "And that's our current mission. We maintain strong faith in Al Nassr's framework, a system that, gradually, is increasingly succeeding in balancing the squad.

"Not just the playing group, but also the supporting staff, a unit that recognizes the challenges, a team that understands it will compete against rivals with superior financial resources, not necessarily superior sporting ability."

Can Cristiano Ronaldo End Saudi Trophy Wait?

Can Cristiano Ronaldo End Saudi Trophy Wait?

Jesus's debatable reasoning doesn't fully apply to this campaign's championship hopes. "We remain in title contention, sitting just one point behind the frontrunners, something Al Nassr hasn't achieved," he noted this weekend.

"In previous seasons, Al Nassr concluded 16 or 14 points off the pace. This campaign we aim to avoid that outcome, though I cannot predict what lies ahead. We believe we can challenge for top positions throughout the season."

Since capturing the championship in 2018–19—before Jesus, Ronaldo and PIF arrived—Al Nassr have oscillated between runner-up and third place, never closing within five points of the leaders. Throughout Ronaldo's two complete Saudi seasons, the deficit has expanded to double figures.

Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League Struggles

Al Nassr's Saudi Pro League Struggles

This season's competition remains much tighter despite the allegedly modest investment. Supported by several veteran forwards, Ronaldo has particularly benefited from the additions of Kingsley Coman and João Félix.

Surprisingly, Al Nassr's primary asset lies in defense: they maintain the division's second-strongest defensive record and have allowed the fewest shots on goal. Despite featuring a disgruntled 41-year-old striker, Al Nassr employ the Pro League's most intense pressing system, which doubles as an offensive tool—the team tops the league with seven goals from high defensive recoveries.

Should Al Nassr hope to match Al Hilal's pace at the top of the standings, preserving that resolute defensive structure may prove crucial.