😱Is he playing again? Cristiano caught between bans and comeback rumours | OneFootball

😱Is he playing again? Cristiano caught between bans and comeback rumours | OneFootball

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OneFootball

·9 February 2026

😱Is he playing again? Cristiano caught between bans and comeback rumours

Article image:😱Is he playing again? Cristiano caught between bans and comeback rumours

Tension in Saudi Arabia has reached a point of no return. Cristiano Ronaldo continues his personal "boycott" of the local league, missing Al Nassr's recent fixtures due to his deep dissatisfaction with the management of the PIF fund. Although the 41-year-old star is still training under Jorge Jesus, his refusal to play without being injured has sparked a scandal that could end up in sports courts.

Possible exemplary sanctions

According to Asharq Al Awsat, the authorities of the Saudi Pro League are considering severe disciplinary and financial sanctions if the Portuguese star persists in his stance. Since there is no physical injury to justify his absence, the league considers that the player is breaching his contract. However, the club has closed ranks around their captain: coach Jorge Jesus has preferred to remain silent — despite fines for not speaking to the press — and his teammates, like Angelo, have imitated his celebrations as a sign of absolute support.


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The paradox of the Asian Champions League

The conflict could escalate this Wednesday, February 11. There is speculation that Ronaldo will travel to Turkmenistan to face Arkadag in the Champions Elite 2. If he plays in the continental tournament while continuing to boycott the domestic league, the challenge to the Saudi bosses would be total. The football world is now watching Saturday, February 14 against Al Fateh: if Cristiano does not appear in the squad, the earthquake in the desert will be definitive.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.


📸 Yasser Bakhsh - 2026 Getty Images

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