Cristiano Ronaldo is once again at the center of global football attention. This time, however, the spotlight is not on goals or broken records, but on reports of a potential boycott at Al Nassr in early February 2026.
The 40-year-old forward is rumored to have refused to play on Monday, February 2, 2026, as a form of protest against policies involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the main shareholder behind several elite clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
The situation quickly sparked debate, particularly because Al Nassr remain deeply involved in the title race. After 19 matches in the 2025/2026 season, Ronaldo’s side trails Al Hilal by just one point, keeping their championship hopes very much alive. Notably, the league title has so far eluded the Portuguese superstar since his move to Saudi Arabia.
Amid growing speculation, a familiar voice entered the conversation. Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo’s former teammate at Manchester United, shared his perspective on Cristiano’s personality and professionalism—views that he believes have long been misunderstood.
Reports of Ronaldo’s Discontent at Al Nassr
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Ronaldo feels his contribution to the rapid rise in popularity of Saudi Arabian football has not been fully acknowledged. That sentiment is believed to be one of the underlying causes of the recent tension.
The controversy intensified when Ronaldo was left out of Al Nassr’s squad for their away match against Al Riyadh. Despite his absence, Al Nassr secured a narrow 1–0 victory thanks to a goal from Sadio Mané. The result fueled further discussion about Ronaldo’s influence, leadership, and position within the team.
For fans and observers, Ronaldo’s outspoken nature is nothing new. Throughout his illustrious career, he has never hesitated to voice dissatisfaction—whether directed at club management, tactical decisions, or standards within the squad.
A Complicated History: Rooney and Ronaldo
Wayne Rooney’s name resurfaced alongside Ronaldo’s largely because of their long and sometimes controversial history. Many still remember the infamous moment during the 2006 World Cup quarter-final, when Ronaldo appeared to wink toward the Portuguese bench after Rooney was sent off for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho.
That incident triggered outrage among England supporters and created a lasting perception of tension between the two players. Despite the backlash, Rooney and Ronaldo continued to play together at Manchester United until Ronaldo’s move to Real Madrid in 2009.
The question that has lingered for years remains simple: what does Rooney really think of Cristiano Ronaldo?
Rooney: “Ronaldo Is a Genius”
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents in September 2025, Rooney firmly dismissed the idea that he harbors any resentment toward Ronaldo.
“People think I hate him. I like him,” Rooney said. “I think he’s an absolute genius, and what he has done in football is incredible.”
Rooney emphasized that their relationship at Old Trafford was far closer than many fans realize. “I liked Cristiano and I enjoyed playing with him. I don’t think people understand how close we actually were,” he added.
These comments resurfaced amid the Al Nassr controversy, offering valuable context to Rooney’s longstanding stance on Ronaldo’s character.
Messi vs Ronaldo: A Misunderstood Debate
Rooney also addressed the long-running Messi vs Ronaldo debate, which he believes has often distorted public perception of his views.
“I think just because I said Messi is better than Ronaldo, people assume I don’t like Cristiano,” Rooney explained.
The former England captain clarified that his preference for Lionel Messi is rooted in stylistic admiration rather than criticism of Ronaldo. “I love watching Messi play. I think he has a slight edge in terms of dribbling, creativity, and how he moves past players,” Rooney said.
However, Rooney was quick to underline Ronaldo’s unique qualities. “Ronaldo is a killer in front of goal. Just because I say Messi is better doesn’t mean I dislike or disrespect Cristiano in any way.”
Leadership, Legacy, and the Al Nassr Question
As speculation continues, Ronaldo’s situation at Al Nassr raises broader questions about leadership, expectations, and legacy. At 40, Ronaldo remains fiercely competitive, driven by a desire to win titles and maintain elite standards.
For Al Nassr, balancing the demands of a global superstar with long-term club strategy is no easy task. For Ronaldo, the challenge lies in ensuring his ambitions align with the club’s direction in a league still evolving on the global stage.
Rooney’s comments serve as a reminder that Ronaldo’s intensity—often misunderstood as controversy—is also the foundation of his greatness. Whether at Manchester United, Real Madrid, or Al Nassr, that relentless drive has defined his career.
As the Saudi Pro League title race tightens, attention will remain firmly on Ronaldo’s next move, both on and off the pitch. One thing is certain: when Cristiano Ronaldo is involved, football’s conversation rarely stays quiet for long.
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