Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese player will miss the upcoming match against Al-Riyadh, what is the reason! | OneFootball

What is the reason for the Portuguese star's sudden absence?

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A curveball from the ageless legend, Cristiano Ronaldo, has sent ripples through the football world. In a move that raises eyebrows, the 40-year-old marksman for Al Nassr will be conspicuously absent from his team's crucial Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Riyadh today. This decision comes at a particularly intriguing moment, as he continues his relentless, historic march toward the mythical 1,000 career goal milestone.

The details, broken by the ever-reliable insider Fabrizio Romano on his official channels, confirm the absence. However, the plot thickens as the specific "why" remains a mystery. Sources have been quick to clarify that his omission is not down to the usual suspects: there is no injury, no concern over his physical workload, and no issue with his famed fitness levels. The reason remains shrouded in uncertainty, adding to the intrigue.

This season has been another testament to his enduring class. Wearing the Al Nassr shirt, Ronaldo has been in formidable form, finding the net 18 times and setting up 3 more in just 22 appearances. These strikes have brought his colossal career tally to 961 goals, leaving him tantalizingly close—just 39 away—from that unprecedented quadruple-digit landmark.

His temporary departure from the pitch comes at a pivotal time for his club. Al Nassr currently occupies second place in the league standings, locked in a tight title race and trailing their rivals, Al Hilal, by a mere three points. Ronaldo's absence, for reasons unknown, adds a significant layer of drama to this high-stakes phase of the season.