A renowned Saudi TV host with huge influence in Saudi football criticized Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo in an interview with Camel Live. He stated that without the support of the Saudi Pro League, CR7 would never have had the chance to walk into the White House with President Trump.
Recently, Ronaldo skipped the local derby against Al Hilal due to dissatisfaction with the league’s fund allocation among Middle Eastern clubs. He said: “CR7 needs to recognize his position. This is Saudi Arabia, not the Kingdom of Ronaldo. He has confused the roles of brand ambassador and team manager. Ronaldo’s performance is disappointing. As an employee earning a much higher salary than in Europe, he must respect the league rules; otherwise, please leave.”
Talking about Ronaldo’s recent controversial behaviors that have drawn heavy criticism, he added: “Imagine if Manchester City players refuse to play because they are unhappy with the club owner’s decisions, or Arsenal players miss consecutive matches due to dissatisfaction with the renewal offer—this would never happen in the Premier League. Even if given 500 years, CR7 could never get into the White House. Without being a member of the Saudi delegation, he wouldn’t even get close to the White House gate.”
The Saudi Pro League emphasized in an official statement to Ronaldo that no matter how great his past achievements are, he cannot be above football. Clubs remain independent entities responsible for player recruitment. Currently, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo will stay with the team or seek new challenges. Sources say Al Nassr has started looking for potential replacements for Ronaldo, targeting match-winning players from Liverpool and Manchester United.
