Ronaldo RAGES! All change at Al-Nassr after Cristiano replaced?

Robin Bairner

• 15 Mar 2025 05:25 CDT
• 4 min read

News

Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to being replaced during Al-Nassr’s Saudi Pro League victory over Al Kholood on Friday has sparked speculation over the future of head coach Stefano Piolo.

The Italian decided to sacrifice Ronaldo around the hour mark when his side were 3-0 up in a home clash against their mid-table opponents. Al-Nassr had recently been reduced to 10 men when Nawaf Boushal was dismissed.

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STATS

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo

F (C)

Al-Nassr

Pro League

2024/25

• 24

  Games

• 19

  Goals

• 3

  Assists

View all stats

Ronaldo took exception to Pioli’s decision and followed his team-mate down the tunnel – but not before gesticulating angrily in the technical area, clearly unhappy that he would not have the opportunity to hunt down more goals.

The 40-year-old Manchester United and Real Madrid legend had already netted Al-Nassr’s opener in the clash before strikes from Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran added to their advantage. Al-Kholood dominated the closing stages but were inefficient in attack and relied upon an own goal to drag them back within two.

Ronaldo’s reaction to being replaced, though, was the story of the night and puts additional pressure on Pioli.

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Ronaldo piles the pressure on Pioli

The Al-Nassr coach took the reins of the club in September but has struggled to win over critics, despite winning 21 of his 33 matches in charge.

Ronaldo’s side sit only third in the Saudi Pro League, 10 points back of leader Al-Ittihad and seemingly without a chance of landing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner a first major domestic crown.

Progress has been made in the AFC Champions League, with Al-Nassr overcoming Esteghlal, despite Ronaldo missing the first leg in Iran because of legal reasons.

Losing the backing of his superstar player would be a further blow to his credibility.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to hunt down the magical 1000-goal mark for his career, with his Friday strike the 18th he has achieved in Saudi Pro League play this season, putting him joint top of the scoring charts with Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al-Shabab.