Why did Cristiano Ronaldo miss Al-Nassr’s 2-1 win over Al-Hazem? Rumored reason comes to light

Paris Saint-Germain v Al-Nassr - Pre-Season Friendly - Source: Getty

Paris Saint-Germain v Al-Nassr – Pre-Season Friendly – Source: Getty

A recent report has revealed the rumored reason for Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence in Al-Nassr’s King Cup of Champions Round of 32 clash against Al-Hazem on Monday (September 23). In his absence, the Knights of Najd secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory with the winning goal coming in stoppage time.

Instead of Ronaldo, new manager Stefano Pioli fielded Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca up front. The former Liverpool winger opened the scoring in the first-half stoppage time (45’+6) with the help of an assist from Sultan Al-Ghannam.

Despite a second-half equalizer from Basil Yousef Al-Sayyali (62′), Al-Nassr had the last laugh courtesy of a stoppage-time winner by Nawaf Boushal (90’+2).

According to Saudi Arabian newspaper Al-Jazirah (via GOAL), the alleged reason for Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence was that he was rested by Pioli ahead of important Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League fixtures.

The Knights of Najd have a busy week ahead, with a crucial league fixture against Al-Wehda (September 27) and their AFC Champions League clash against Al-Rayyan (September 30).

The Portuguese has been in scintillating form all season, recording five goals and two assists in six games for the Knights of Najd across competitions.

When Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest single-season goalscorer in Saudi Pro League history

Al-Wehda v Al Nassr - Saudi Pro League - Source: GettyAl-Wehda v Al Nassr – Saudi Pro League – Source: Getty

In his first full season in the Middle East, Cristiano Ronaldo became the highest-ever single-season goalscorer in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese forward scored his record 35th goal of the season in a 4-2 win against Al-Ittihad on May 27, 2024.

After scoring a left-footed goal in the first half (45’+3), Ronaldo broke the record with a thunderous header in the 69th minute. The header marked his 35th league goal of the season – one more than what Abderrazzak Hamdallah managed for the Knights of Najd in the 2018-19 season.

Cristiano Ronaldo ended the 2023-24 season with 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 games across competitions. He now has 63 goals and 17 assists from a total of 70 games for Al-Nassr across competitions.

He also scored a brace (74′, 98′) to help his side win the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup final against rivals Al-Hilal – their only piece of silverware since the Portuguese joined in January 2023. Unfortunately, the competition isn’t considered an official tournament by FIFA.