Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos defends Ronaldo over strike

Posted Tuesday, February 10, 2026 by tribalfootball

Toni Kroos has come to the defence of former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo amid criticism surrounding his recent Al-Nassr absence, claiming “no one would watch the Saudi Pro League” without him.

The Portugal captain is set to end a two-game spell out after returning to training this week, having missed matches in protest over January transfer dealings.

According to A Bola, Ronaldo is expected back for next weekend’s clash with Al-Fateh, though he will sit out Al-Nassr’s midweek Asian Champions League 2 trip to Arkadag.

Kroos insisted Ronaldo’s presence remains vital to the league’s profile. "The Saudi league is a strange phenomenon. No one had heard of it before the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo, and now they disrespect the man who put them on the world map.If Cristiano leaves tomorrow, this league will lose all its charm. Without Ronaldo, no one would see the Saudi league."

Ronaldo has scored 17 goals in 18 league games, and he has even been told to never retire, despite the fact he has recently celebrated his 41st birthday.