<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a></strong> and <strong>Angelo Gabriel</strong> were at the center of a dramatic night in Riyadh, even though only one of them actually stepped onto the pitch. As <strong>Al-Nassr</strong> faced <strong>Al-Ittihad</strong> in a high-stakes Saudi Pro League clash, the spotlight was fixed not just on the game, but on a growing storm surrounding the club, its ownership structure, and its most iconic figure. Amid swirling rumors, vocal fan support, and an emotional moment late in the game, the night became far more than just a 2-0 victory; it turned into a statement of unity, defiance, and symbolism.</p>



<p>Ronaldo’s absence dominated headlines long before kickoff. The Portuguese superstar missed his second consecutive <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/saudi-pro-league/">Saudi Pro League</a> match, not because of injury or rotation, but as part of a self-imposed protest against the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) management of the league’s top clubs.</p>



<p>The 41-year-old forward, who has&nbsp;<strong>scored 91 goals in 95 league appearances for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al-Nassr</a></strong>, reportedly feels that the PIF has favored rivals—particularly Al Hilal—during recent transfer windows. The January signing of Karim Benzema by Al-Hilal, contrasted with the club’s modest additions, intensified those frustrations and pushed Ronaldo toward a symbolic stand.</p>



<p><em>“Ronaldo is not upset with Al-Nassr. His issue is with how the PIF manages and prioritizes certain clubs,”</em>&nbsp;various outlets report, capturing the essence of the dispute. The message is clear: The veteran’s protest is not directed at his teammates or the coaching staff, but at the broader power structure shaping Saudi soccer.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/09/26231301/ronaldo-benzema-1200x675-1200x675.webp" alt="ronaldo benzema" class="wp-image-593538" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Karim Benzema of Al Ittihad and Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr</figcaption></figure>



<p>Despite returning to training ahead of the match, Ronaldo was left out of the squad entirely, with Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Joao Felix forming the attacking trio against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-ittihad">Al-Ittihad</a>. The absence of both Ronaldo and Benzema—now at Al-Hilal—meant that two of the league’s biggest stars were missing from a fixture that was supposed to showcase Saudi soccer’s elite.</p>



<h2>Fans and teammates rally around their captain</h2>



<p>Inside Al-Awwal Park, the response from supporters was immediate and emotional. In the seventh minute, a symbolic reference to Ronaldo’s legendary shirt number, thousands of fans raised banners bearing his name and number, chanting in unison. The gesture was a powerful reminder that, for many, Ronaldo remains the heartbeat of Al-Nassr, regardless of off-field politics.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">No. 7️⃣🐐 <a href="https://t.co/5wBeRychyT">pic.twitter.com/5wBeRychyT</a></p>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2019832584956776923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote></div>



<p>On the pitch, the Knight of Najd delivered a disciplined performance despite the distractions. The first half was tense and goalless, with both teams cautious and organized. The breakthrough finally arrived late in the second half when&nbsp;<strong>Sadio Mane converted a penalty in the 84th minute</strong>, giving the home side a deserved lead.</p>



<p>As the visitors pushed forward in search of an equalizer, Al-Nassr struck again on the counterattack.&nbsp;<strong>Angelo Gabriel sealed the victory in stoppage time</strong>, finishing calmly to make it 2-0 and keep his club firmly in the title race, just one point behind <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-hilal/">Al-Hilal</a>. But it was what happened after that goal that truly captured the world’s attention.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="ملخص مباراة النصر 2 - 0 الاتحاد | دوري روشن السعودي 25/26 الجولة 21 AlNassr Vs Ittihad Highlights" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W7coH3unBgY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>The moment that went viral</h2>



<p>In a poignant and symbolic gesture, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/angelo-gabriel/">Angelo Gabriel</a> sprinted toward the corner flag and launched into Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic celebration. The leap, the outstretched arms, the roar toward the crowd—it was unmistakable.</p>



<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="da" dir="ltr">Counter. Sprint. Finish. Ângelo. ⚡💛<br> <a href="https://t.co/MWZrTaSBJw">pic.twitter.com/MWZrTaSBJw</a></p>— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlNassrFC_EN/status/2019900689246228572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2026</a></blockquote></div>



<p>The tribute instantly went viral, with fans praising the young Brazilian winger for honoring his absent teammate. It was a moment of solidarity that transcended tactics and scorelines, symbolizing Ronaldo’s enduring influence on the squad even during his protest. The celebration added emotional weight to an already charged atmosphere, sending a clear message that Ronaldo’s presence is felt even when he is not on the pitch.</p>

Cristiano Ronaldo not alone? Teammates rally behind Al-Nassr’s captain as Angelo Gabriel sends powerful message with iconic tribute celebration (VIDEO)

Cristiano Ronaldo not alone? Teammates rally behind Al-Nassr’s captain as Angelo Gabriel sends powerful message with iconic tribute celebration (VIDEO) - World Soccer Talk

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<p>A record-breaking Brazilian teenager will join Chelsea for its upcoming tour of the United States. However, do not expect this 18-year-old to set Stamford Bridge alight in Mauricio Pochettino’s first season. The expectation is for the winger to go back out on loan this upcoming season to continue his development.</p>



<p>The player is young Santos star Angelo Gabriel. He made headlines at the age of 15 when he made his debut with Santos at the Maracana against Fluminense. He was the youngest player in the history of the Brazil national championship when he made his senior debut. Only one player represented Santos at a younger age. That early start allowed Angelo Gabriel to already amass over 100 appearances in his time with Santos. He is also the youngest goal-scorer ever in the Copa Libertadores. </p>



<p>According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is spending $16.85 million to acquire the Brazilian U-20 international. It is Chelsea’s <a href="https://www.transfermarkt.us/fc-chelsea/alletransfers/verein/631" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third arrival of the summer</a> that the club had to pay for. Angelo joins Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. Both of those should feature for Chelsea in the upcoming season. Yet, all three of these new arrivals are forwards.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Official, confirmed. Chelsea sign 2004 born talented winger Ângelo Gabriel on permanent deal from Santos. 🔵🇧🇷<br><br>◉ €15m fee to the Brazilian club.<br>◉ Long term deal signed earlier this week.<br>◉ Ângelo will travel with the team to USA.<br>◉ Loan next — Strasbourg, an option. <a href="https://t.co/8CrGXDwlDG">pic.twitter.com/8CrGXDwlDG</a></p>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1680642995060633602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Brazilian teenager on Chelsea summer tour</h2>



<p>The Blues would like some competition up top after a dismal goal-scoring display a season ago. Chelsea’s 38 goals was fifth from bottom in the entire Premier League in the 2022/23 campaign. It sent <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-agree-82-million-fee-with-chelsea-for-havertz-20230621-WST-438809.html">Kai Havertz</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/christian-pulisic-saying-all-the-right-things-after-ac-milan-move-20230714-WST-443258.html">Christian Pulisic</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/man-utd-currently-negotiating-with-chelsea-for-mount-20230603-WST-435986.html">Mason Mount</a> away this summer, which does open the door for someone to step in at the front of Chelsea’s formation.</p>



<p>Angelo may feature in that spot during Chelsea’s slew of friendlies in the United States this summer. With games against Wrexham, Brighton, Newcastle, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund, there are plenty of chances for Mauricio Pochettino to experiment with different players. Angelo will be in Chelsea’s extended squad for these games.</p>



<p>However, barring a masterclass in the United States, Angelo will go out on loan next season. One potential option is Strasbourg in Ligue 1. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly purchased Strasbourg. In doing so, he <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/strasbourg-ultras-unhappy-with-clubs-sale-to-boehly-20230623-WST-439171.html">turned the French club into a feeder for Chelsea</a> where its players can develop in a strong competition. If Angelo does go on loan to Strasbourg, he would learn under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/patrick-vieira-to-assume-managerial-role-at-chelsea-owned-strasbourg-20230630-WST-440689.html">head coach Patrick Vieira</a>.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images</em></p>


A record-breaking Brazilian teenager will join Chelsea for its upcoming tour of the United States but will likely go on loan next season.

Chelsea signs Brazilian teenager that could feature in US tour

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Cristiano Ronaldo not alone? Teammates rally behind Al-Nassr’s captain as Angelo Gabriel sends powerful message with iconic tribute celebration (VIDEO)

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Chelsea signs Brazilian teenager that could feature in US tour