Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has reportedly decided to put Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr and three other top Saudi Pro League clubs up for sale, as part of a plan to scale back its heavy spending in football.
The country’s four biggest sides — Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal — were placed under PIF ownership in 2023, with the sovereign wealth fund holding 75% of each club, while the remaining 25% stake was managed by the Ministry of Sport.
That takeover triggered an unprecedented spending spree, attracting global superstars such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East.
However, according to Saudi journalist Ahmed Al-Ajlan, the PIF is now preparing to offload its majority stakes, with the sales expected to include the Ministry of Sport’s shares as well.
If confirmed, the move would mark a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s football strategy, potentially opening the door for private investors to take control of the league’s biggest names.
