Cristiano Ronaldo faces a 4-match suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to score and again becomes the center of attention. Yet, this occasion is not about remarkable numbers, but rather a gesture that might bring serious consequences both inside and outside the field.

The Portuguese star added his name to the scoresheet, continuing his quest to reach the milestone of 1,000 career goals. Nevertheless, Ronaldo’s goal was not enough to prevent Al Nassr from suffering a 1-3 defeat against their fierce rivals Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

This is a painful setback for Al Nassr. Since the start of 2026, Ronaldo’s team has consecutively lost to Al Ahli, Al Qadisiya, and most recently Al Hilal, the current league leaders. The gap between the two teams has now widened to 7 points, making Al Nassr’s dream of securing their first official title in Saudi Arabia increasingly distant.

Beyond the match result, Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction to the referee drew significant attention. During the game on January 12, CR7 made gestures implying that Al Nassr was being “unfairly treated,” behavior that quickly caught the eye of the authorities.

According to the Disciplinary and Ethical Code of the Saudi Football Federation, this action could be classified as insulting and damaging the integrity of the referee. This violation aligns with FIFA regulations, applied when players openly question the impartiality of the match officials.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s reaction after Al Hilal’s third goal#AlHilal_AlNassr | #CapitalDerbyOn8 pic.twitter.com/wbu7J0oiON

— Thmanyah Sports (@thmanyahsports) January 12, 2026

Based on recent precedents, similar behavior is usually sanctioned under clauses related to insulting or unsporting conduct towards referees. The expected penalty ranges from 2 to 4 match suspensions, accompanied by fines between 20,000 and 40,000 Saudi Riyals (approximately 5,300 – 10,600 USD).

If the maximum penalty is enforced, Ronaldo could miss 4 crucial matches for Al Nassr against Al Shabab (January 17), Damac (January 21), Al Taawoun (January 26), and Al-Kholood (January 30). This would certainly deal a severe blow to the already fragile championship ambitions of the yellow-clad team.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo has frequently encountered disciplinary issues. In February 2024, he was suspended for one match and fined for making an offensive gesture towards Al Shabab fans following chants of “Messi.”

Just two months later, Ronaldo received a 2-match ban after a red card in the Saudi Super Cup clash with Al Hilal, with the referee’s report citing “disgraceful conduct.” Back in 2023, CR7 was also criticized for gestures directed at the stands, although he avoided harsher sporting sanctions at that time.

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to score regularly and improve his personal records, but alongside that are tense and controversial moments. Now, all decisions rest with the disciplinary committee, and for the Portuguese superstar, the margin for error is almost nonexistent.