Former Real Madrid midfielder, Toni Kroos, has expressed serious concern over the ongoing dispute between Cristiano Ronaldo and his Saudi Pro League (SPL) club, Al-Nassr, warning that the league risks losing global attention if the Portuguese superstar leaves.

Ronaldo has been absent from Al-Nassr’s last two matches following a standoff with the club’s management. Speaking in an interview with Bryan Nassr, Kroos, who played alongside Ronaldo at Real Madrid from 2014 to 2018, emphasized the central role the football icon has played in putting the SPL on the world stage.

“The Saudi league was virtually unknown internationally before Cristiano arrived. Now, they are not giving due respect to the man who made them famous,” Kroos said via Foot Mercato.

He added, “I’m telling you, if Ronaldo leaves tomorrow, no one will watch this league anymore.”

Kroos retired from professional football in 2024 after a distinguished career with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, and a FIFA World Cup victory with Germany. Despite being older than Kroos, Ronaldo continues to perform at an impressive level in Saudi Arabia, according to his recent statistics.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr last summer on a contract that was scheduled to run until 2027. However, the recent fallout with the club could prevent him from completing his stint.

The football world now waits to see if negotiations will resolve the dispute or if Ronaldo will seek a new destination, potentially reshaping the SPL’s international standing.