Saudi legal commentator Nouf bin Ahmed floated a controversial plan on his social media, saying he intends to file a formal request with the public prosecutor to investigate and seek the arrest and deportation of Al-Nasr’s star midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo. He asserted that he does not follow sports, yet maintained that even if Ronaldo was provoked, the alleged conduct amounted to a crime. He framed it as public immorality, a charge that, in his view, can lead to detention and deportation for a foreign national. He added that a petition would be submitted to the prosecutor’s office to pursue this matter.
The backdrop to this claim involves a recent Saudi Pro League match in which Portugal’s Ronaldo faced tense moments from the stands. During the game between Al-Nasr and Al-Hilal, spectators directed chants toward Lionel Messi, while Ronaldo reportedly retreated to a room beneath the stands where he made a gesture that drew widespread attention. The match concluded with Al-Nasr losing 0-2, a result that added to the drama surrounding Ronaldo’s time in the league and the reactions it provoked from fans and commentators alike.
At 37 years old, Ronaldo has been without a club since November 2022 after Manchester United terminated his contract. His move to Al-Nasr in January marked a new chapter, with reports indicating a lucrative contract worth around €200 million per year, along with additional bonuses benefiting Ronaldo and his family. The extensive deal underscored the high-profile nature of his tenure in Saudi football and the global interest it has generated, including coverage of the cultural and sporting implications of such signings in the region.
There is also historical context to Ronaldo’s standing among his former teammates. Some discussions have surfaced about his influence and leadership, including public reflections from colleagues such as Wayne Rooney, who has commented on the careers and legacies of players who once shared a locker room with Ronaldo. These conversations often touch on the complexities of transitioning from European powerhouse clubs to leagues abroad, the expectations that come with massive contracts, and how star athletes navigate intense media scrutiny while balancing professional responsibilities and personal lives.
In the broader landscape of international football, Ronaldo’s presence in Saudi Arabia has intensified debates about the evolving dynamics of the sport, including the movement of high-profile players to Middle Eastern leagues and the impact on competition, fan engagement, and the marketability of the sport across Asia and North America. Observers note that signings of this scale can influence how talent is distributed globally, how domestic leagues compete for attention, and how branding, sponsorship, and broadcasting rights evolve in tandem with the emergence of star players in new environments. The discourse around these topics remains dynamic, with stakeholders weighing cultural considerations, economic incentives, and the long-term effects on both sport and society.