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Cristiano Ronaldo transfer complaint backed by Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus following strike - 'I know what it's like'
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Published 18/02/2026 at 08:57 GMT
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Cristiano Ronaldo ended a two-match absence at the weekend when he scored for Al-Nassr upon his return to the Saudi Pro League side, with suggestions that he had been away from the first team due to unhappiness related to the backing given to league rivals Al-Hilal. Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has now appeared to endorse some of the sentiments.
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Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus has backed Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported verdict on the "economic power" wielded by Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo missed two games due to an absence that was believed to be a strike in response to the 41-year-old’s dissatisfaction with recent developments at the top clubs.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have stakes in both Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, and stories suggested that Ronaldo felt there was an unfair disparity in how the two sides had been backed by the state-owned organisation.
In a tight title race, Karim Benzema moved from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal, a move that appeared to irk Ronaldo.
The Portuguese is yet to win the league after more than three seasons in the Saudi Pro League, and there were rumours that he could look to leave the team in the summer as a result of his unhappiness, with claims there is a £43 million release clause in his contract.
His coach at Al-Nassr, Jorge Jesus was asked about the situation, via Goal. He had previously coached at Al-Hilal, and he said that he was used to the circumstances of the two clubs.
"I’ve already been at Al-Hilal. I’ve been on the other side, so I know what that’s like. They have more economic power," Jesus said. "When I was there, I benefited as a coach. It’s normal."
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Jesus worked for Al-Hilal between 2023 and 2025, and was there for the arrival of many of the team’s superstars.
As well as Benzema, the club boasts Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Theo Hernandez, Malcom, Ruben Neves, Pablo Marin and Darwin Nunez as some of the players brought in from abroad.
Neymar was also at the club before his return to Brazil following an underwhelming spell in the country.
Jesus added: "Al-Nassr, with different resources, have to compete for the top spots. We have to continue to be strong.
"That’s why I was hired, to reduce the gap between Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, in terms of titles and points. And that’s what we’re doing."
Al-Nassr have their own group of big-name players from abroad, including Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Kingsley Coman, Inigo Martinez, and Ronaldo's compatriot Joao Felix.
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Ronaldo recently returned to the starting line-up and was on the score sheet on 18 minutes as his side defeated Al Fateh away.
They are currently a single point behind league leaders Al-Hilal with 21 games played in the league season so far.
The goal was Ronaldo's 19th in 23 appearances for his team in the current campaign, and his 118th in 134 matches for the Saudi team overall.
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