Former Saudi Arabia international makes surprise Ronaldo request over Al Nassr fixtures

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to avoid Al Nassr’s biggest matches and instead be used more regularly against teams in the middle and lower reaches of the Saudi Pro League.

The unusual suggestion came from former Saudi Arabia international Ahmed Ateef, who said Ronaldo would be better deployed against clubs not challenging for the title.

“​​It would be better for Ronaldo to play more often in these matches against clubs that are not competing for the league title,” Ateef said on the television programme Dawrina Ghair.

Ateef was speaking after Ronaldo’s outstanding display in Al Nassr’s 5-3 victory over Al Kholood on Thursday. The Portugal forward scored a hat-trick in the Saudi Pro League’s 12th round, once again demonstrating his influence in front of goal.

He believes Ronaldo is particularly well suited to matches against sides lower down the table.

“Ronaldo will perform well against clubs of Al Kholood’s level and others of a similar standard, and he will score many goals,” Ateef said. “The situation will be different against competitive teams.”

The former international then went further, calling on Ronaldo not to feature in major fixtures against the leading clubs.

“I ask Ronaldo not to play in the big matches against the top clubs,” Ateef said. “He should play against teams at the bottom and in the middle of the table.”

The comments provide a sharp contrast with Ronaldo’s performance against Al Kholood, in which he played a decisive role in securing three points for Al Nassr.

The hat-trick also took Ronaldo’s league tally to seven goals, leaving him third in the Saudi Pro League scoring chart.

Al Nassr’s listed fixtures include a meeting with Pakhtakor in the AFC Champions League Elite on 02 November 2026. The club are then scheduled to face Al Khaleej in the Saudi Pro League on 05 November 2026.

Ateef’s comments centre on the differing levels of competition across the league and suggest Ronaldo’s goalscoring impact could be maximised by selecting him primarily against teams outside the title race. That view follows immediately after the forward’s three-goal contribution against Al Kholood, rather than a criticism of his ability to influence important games.

Ronaldo, who captains Al Nassr, has again been placed at the centre of debate over how the club should manage his involvement during the remainder of the season.