Ronaldo Drops a Warning Bomb — “I See Many Bad Things. I Will Speak.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has put the Saudi Pro League and everyone in it on notice. In a fiery post-match address following Al Nassr’s crucial 2-0 victory over Al Ahli at Alawwal Park — a result that moved the club eight points clear at the top of the table and to the brink of their first SPL title since 2019 — the Portuguese legend delivered a promise that has sent shockwaves through Saudi football.
“After the end of the season, I will speak publicly about the bad things happening in the league, because I see a lot that is not right,” he declared. “Many players complain openly, posting on Instagram and Facebook about refereeing decisions, the league, and the overall project. This is not good at all, and it goes against the purpose of the league.”
He then delivered a broader appeal to professionalism, framing it as a matter of the league’s long-term global credibility: “We should set an example — not only here but also for Europe, if we want to compete with them and be one of the best leagues in the world. I think we should stop this, analyze it, and talk with the Saudi League, because for me, this is no longer football.”
The context behind the outburst is impossible to ignore. The controversy had erupted in early April when several Al Ahli figures — including head coach Matthias Jaissle, Brazilian winger Galeno, and English striker Ivan Toney — publicly vented their frustration over refereeing decisions in a 1-1 draw against Al Fayha, making pointed claims about unawarded penalties and what they perceived as a systematic bias in favour of Al Nassr.
The tension boiled over on the pitch after the final whistle, with Merih Demiral squaring up to Ronaldo and requiring players and staff to intervene. Demiral was then seen retrieving his Asian Champions League medal and brandishing it aggressively toward the Al Nassr supporters — a clear and deliberate act of provocation.
Ronaldo was not done. He took a pointed dig at Demiral during his post-match comments, laughing as he declared: “Five Champions, I have. I have five, five!”
Al Nassr now sit first with 79 points from 30 games, eight clear of Al Hilal, with five games remaining — and their 16th consecutive league win leaves them in commanding control of the title race.
Ronaldo is closing in on a Saudi championship. But his message to the league at large is clear: once the season ends, he will not be staying silent.