Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al Nassr for the second consecutive time during the match against Al Ittihad has raised a flurry of questions and speculations on social media. Previously, he had missed a match against Al Riyadh, which led many to believe that any issues had been resolved after he returned to training. However, his ongoing absence, especially against a critical rival such as Al Ittihad, has reignited discussions about his position and future within the team.

Reports from journalist Fabrizio Romano suggest that Ronaldo’s absence is not due to an injury or a managerial decision but rather a protest against perceived bias in the allocation of high-profile signings in the league, most notably following Karim Benzema's transfer to Al Hilal, a direct competitor of Al Nassr. This situation indicates potential underlying dissatisfaction on Ronaldo’s part regarding his treatment in the Saudi league, stirring concerns about his long-term commitment to the club.

Moreover, Portuguese newspaper 'Record' revealed that Ronaldo's contract includes a clause that allows him to leave at the end of the current season for 50 million euros, raising further questions about whether he might be contemplating a departure. Fans and analysts alike are left pondering the implications of these circumstances on both his career and the dynamics of the league, highlighting how pivotal his presence is felt beyond just his on-field contributions.