Cristiano Ronaldo Absent from Al Nassr's Crucial Fixture, Coach Rests Star Amid Exhaustion Concerns

Cristiano Ronaldo was conspicuously missing from Al Nassr’s lineup in their Saudi Pro League 2024-25 clash with Al Akhdoud, held on Monday at Prince Hathloul bin Abdulaziz Sports City Stadium in Najran. Reports suggest that Al Nassr’s head coach, Stefano Pioli, decided to bench Ronaldo due to signs of physical exhaustion. The 39-year-old Portuguese icon has been heavily involved in recent games, having played the entire 90 minutes against both Al Ittihad and Kawasaki. Ronaldo’s last chance to rest came during Al Nassr’s quarterfinal win over Yokohama FM in the AFC Champions League Elite stage—a game that marked the last time he exited before the final whistle. Since then, he has consistently completed every game, raising concerns about his fatigue as the season draws to a close. With Al Nassr out of the title race and facing uncertain AFC Champions League qualification, resting their star striker might be a tactical decision aimed at preserving his fitness for future matches or potential continental play-offs.