Saudi Arabian media personality Khalid Al-Shanif has revealed that Al-Nassr ace Cristiano Ronaldo requested to be subbed off at half-time during their recent 3-2 comeback win over Al-Ettifaq. He also claimed that Ronaldo was ‘crying intensely’ following their Saudi Pro League clash on August 25, which was the main reason why the 41-year-old failed to celebrate with the fans after the final whistle.
The Knights of Najd were reduced to 10 men in the 12th minute after Bento Krepski was sent off following a poor challenge. Al-Ettifaq took full advantage, taking a 2-0 lead going into half-time after Ondrej Duda and Alvaro Medran scored one goal apiece.
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Despite making his first start of the season for Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed off at half-time in place of Abdullah Al-Khaibari. His side then went on to secure a thrilling comeback win, with Sadio Mané netting a brace and Abdulelah Al-Amri also featuring on the scoresheet.
During a segment on his program, Doreena Ghair, Al-Shanif revealed why Ronaldo requested to be subbed off, claiming (via The Nassr Tribune):
“Cristiano Ronaldo was the one who requested to be substituted against Al-Ettifaq because he wasn’t ready and wanted a ready player in his place. Cristiano Ronaldo was crying intensely after Al-Nassr’s victory against Al-Ettifaq.”
Ronaldo and Co. are currently at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with nine points from three games.
“The plan was always for him to play 45 minutes against Al Ettifaq” – Al-Nassr manager makes Cristiano Ronaldo claim after 3-2 comeback win
Al-Nassr boss Ange Postecoglou has claimed that his plan was for Cristiano Ronaldo to only play 45 minutes against Al-Ettifaq. He also revealed that the 41-year-old is physically progressing well and is ready for their next clash against Al-Taawoun on Friday, August 28.
During the pre-match press conference, Postecoglou told the media (via The Nassr Tribune):
“Look, again, with Cristiano, he is a unique sportsman. He has not had much preparation, and the plan was always for him to play 45 minutes against Al Ettifaq. He played 30 minutes in the first game, so we wanted him to play 45 against Al Ettifaq and build up gradually.”
He added:
“That was always going to happen at half time, but because of the situation, with the team losing 2-0, Cristiano wanted to help and wanted to keep playing. For me, though, those 45 minutes were good because now we know that he is ready to play more than 45 minutes. I know he feels physically in good condition now, so he is ready for tomorrow’s game.”
Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s first two games of the season against Al-Fateh and Al-Diriyah due to an extended holiday following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and his marriage to Georgina Rodriguez. While he made his return and scored against Al-Riyadh as a late substitute, the Portugal ace has yet to get back to full fitness.
Edited by Silas Sud