Cristiano Ronaldo could not hide his frustration after being subbed off late in Al Nassr’s 3-1 defeat to title rival Al Hilal on Monday.
Ronaldo scored the opener in the showdown between the Saudi Pro League’s top two teams, but Al Hilal struck back with three goals after halftime to earn a vital win.
Al Hilal went seven points clear of second-place Al Nassr atop the table, a stunning development after Al Hilal was four points clear just two weeks ago.
But Ronaldo’s side has faltered after winning its first 10 league matches, following that up with three defeats and a draw in its last four.
Cristiano Ronaldo frustrated with substitution
With Al Nassr trailing by a goal in the 83rd minute, head coach Jorge Jesus opted to remove Ronaldo and replace him with midfielder Wesley.
The move didn’t go down well with the Portugal legend, who ruefully shook his head near the middle of the field before slowly walking over to the sideline.
Ronaldo waved his arms and appeared to say ‘impossible’ as he made his way to the edge of the field. He and Jesus exchanged a brief word as the pair shook hands.
Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy since he joined Al Nassr in 2023.
Al Nassr will host Al Shabab on Saturday as it continues to search for its first league win of 2026.