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According to Portuguese newspaper To Ballthe 40-year-old superstar will miss the match against Al Riyadh at the Prince Turki bin Abdulaziz Stadium on Monday.

While initial local reports suggested Ronaldo was simply getting rest ahead of the crucial showdown with Al Ittihad on Feb. 6, sources close to the club have firmly denied this. The absence is described as a protest against what Ronaldo perceives as unfair treatment compared to rivals Al Hilal.

Ronaldo’s frustration stems from the belief that Al Nassr is being neglected by the PIF, which owns both Saudi giants. Ronaldo felt that his team are not receiving the same level of investment or treatment as Al Hilal, a disparity he believes is hurting their chances to win the league.

He is reportedly furious with the club’s passive transfer strategy. During the winter transfer window, Al Nassr has only signed 21-year-old Iraqi midfielder Haydeer Abdulkareem. Requests from head coach Jorge Jesus for further reinforcements were reportedly ignored.

The situation is further complicated by an internal problem. Two key Portuguese figures in Al Nassr, sporting director Simão Coutinho and CEO Jose Semedo, have reportedly had their authority “frozen” by the board of directors since the start of the month. Ronaldo views these moves as damaging and detrimental to the club’s long-term vision.

The contrast with Al Hilal’s active recruitment has only fueled Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction. Under coach Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal have secured center-back Pablo Mari from Fiorentina for over $2 million and are closing in on a $30 million deal for 18-year-old Rennes striker Kader Meite.

Furthermore, Arab media reports suggest Al Hilal are nearing a blockbuster move for Karim Benzema, who is currently going on a strike with Al Ittihad, and is finalizing a $33 million deal for French U21 international Saimon Bouabré from Neom.

To Ball characterizes Ronaldo’s strike as the boiling point of long-standing tensions.

In mid-January, Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus shocked Saudi football by publicly stating that his side “doesn’t have the same political power as Al Hilal.” The comment sparked outrage, with Al Hilal reportedly demanding a suspension of six months to a year for the Portuguese manager.

Al Nassr currently sit second in the Saudi Pro League with 43 points, trailing Al Hilal by three. In the top scorer race, Ronaldo also sits in second place with 17 goals, just one behind Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.