Cristiano Ronaldo: The Saudi Professional League warns the Al-Nasr striker, there is no player greater than the club

In a statement issued to BBC Sport, a Saudi Professional League spokesperson said: “The Saudi Professional League is organized around a simple principle: each club operates independently under the same rules.

“Clubs have their own boards, executives and football leadership. Decisions on recruitment, spending and strategy are made with those clubs, within a financial framework designed to ensure sustainability and competitive balance. This framework applies equally across the league.”

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in 2022 after leaving Manchester United in the middle of the season, becoming the highest-paid player in football history with an annual salary of 177 million pounds, but he only won the Arab Club Champions Cup with them.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has signed a new two-year contract in June 2025.

Before he agreed to the new deal, there was speculation that he might leave Al-Nassr with a loan move to rivals Al-Hilal.

The official spokesman for the Saudi Professional League added: “Cristiano has been fully engaged with Al-Nasr since his arrival and played an important role in the club’s growth and ambition.” “Like any elite competitor, he wants to win.

“But no individual – no matter how important – makes decisions outside his club.

“The recent transfer activity clearly demonstrates this independence. One club strengthened in a certain way. Another chose a different approach. These were club decisions, made within approved financial parameters.”

Al-Nasr only signed Iraqi Under-23 midfielder Haider Abdul Karim in the January transfer window.

Al-Hilal has not lost in the league this season and leads with 50 points from 20 matches, while Al-Nasr is four points behind in third place, even though it has a postponed match.

A Saudi Professional League spokesman said: “The competitiveness of the league speaks for itself. With only a few points separating the top four places, the title race is still very much alive. This level of balance reflects a system that is working as intended.”

“The focus remains on football – on the pitch, where it belongs – and on maintaining a credible competitive competition for players and fans.”