Blow for Cristiano Ronaldo! Al-Nassr hit with another transfer ban

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr have been handed a transfer ban by FIFA ahead of the January window. The world governing body updated its official register on Friday, naming the Saudi Pro League club among teams barred from registering new players. December 19 has been listed as the start date of the sanction, although no end date has been specified.

FIFA sanction arrives before January window

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Unlike typical bans that outline a set number of transfer windows, Al-Nassr’s case is described simply as “until lifted,” leaving the duration unclear. The lack of clarity has raised concerns in Riyadh, especially with planning for the second half of the season already in progress. Al-Nassr are not the only Saudi side affected, with Al Shabab, Damac and Al Riyadh also included on FIFA’s sanctions list.

A recurring issue for the Riyadh side

This is not unfamiliar territory for Al-Nassr. In July 2023, just months after Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, the club were subjected to a similar registration ban. That earlier punishment was linked to financial issues surrounding the signing of Ahmed Musa from Leicester City in 2018. Musa joined Al-Nassr in a £14m ($18.75m) move and helped the club win the league before leaving in 2020. FIFA later ruled that Al-Nassr had failed to pay £390,000 in performance-related bonuses owed to Leicester. Despite warnings dating back to 2021, the outstanding amount was not settled in time, resulting in a transfer ban. On that occasion, the matter was resolved quickly after the club paid around €2m, leading FIFA to lift the sanction before it covered multiple windows. Whether a similar resolution will follow remains uncertain, but precedent suggests the issue is financial rather than sporting and could be resolved once obligations are met.

Ronaldo’s impact remains strong

Despite the uncertainty surrounding recruitment, Al-Nassr’s ambitions on the pitch continue to revolve around Ronaldo. At 40, the Portuguese forward remains central to the team, contributing 11 goals and two assists in just 12 appearances this season. His influence stretches beyond numbers, setting standards throughout the squad. Team-mate Mohamed Simakan recently spoke about the experience of playing alongside one of football’s biggest icons. The defender highlighted Ronaldo’s discipline and leadership, describing the lessons he learns daily from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. That influence has become a defining part of Al-Nassr’s identity, pushing younger players to raise their professionalism.

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“If someone had told me at the start of my career: ‘You’ll play with Cristiano Ronaldo’? I would have said: ‘That’s impossible! We’re not the same age.’ When I started, he was at the end of his career,” Simakan admitted.

“I won’t lie to you, what he brings me in terms of discipline, work and leadership is incredible. Cristiano gives me so much advice.”

Ronaldo’s contract runs until the summer of 2027, yet speculation persists that his career could continue even longer. With the landmark of 1,000 career goals still within reach and ambitions that may include sharing the pitch with his eldest son, the idea of Ronaldo playing into his mid-40s no longer seems far-fetched.

World Cup goodbye approaching

One certainty remains regarding his international future. Ronaldo has already confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Speaking recently, he acknowledged his age but insisted his sharpness remains, describing this final chapter as something to embrace rather than fear.

He told CNN: “Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old. I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, I still feel quick and sharp, I’m enjoying my game in the national team. Let’s be honest, when I say soon I mean probably one or two years. I’m enjoying the moment. But when I say soon, it’s really soon, because I’ve given everything to football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years, I did everything. I have many records. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”

Ronaldo will return to action on December 24 in the AFC Champions League Two group-stage clash against Al-Zawraa.