Cristiano Ronaldo may be known for scoring goals on the pitch, but off the field, he is reportedly calling the shots at Al Nassr, literally.
According to Nigerian journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, also known as Buchi Laba, the Portuguese icon allegedly played a key role in halting Victor Boniface’s move to the Saudi Arabian club in January.
Boniface, a standout striker for Bayer Leverkusen, was reportedly on the verge of a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League side in January.
🚨🔴⚫️ Victor Boniface and Al Nassr, deal OFF.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2025
Nigerian striker won’t join the club, deal was advanced… but never done as Al Nassr never gave final green light. pic.twitter.com/rAyDoryssf
But just when the deal seemed sealed, Al Nassr suddenly pulled out, and it turns out, Ronaldo might have been the reason.
Ronaldo’s approval allegedly required
In a tweet that set Nigerian football Twitter buzzing, Buchi Laba claimed that every signing at Al Nassr must be approved by Ronaldo, including that of players and even the head coach.
“Al Nassr negotiated for [Jhon] Duran and Victor Boniface, and at the end they put both names on the table for Cristiano Ronaldo to pick one. Ronaldo selected Duran,” he posted on X, (formerly Twitter).
Boniface had already reached an agreement and reportedly accepted a bumper contract, making the late U-turn even more puzzling at the time.
Let me give you small gist about Jhon Duran and why I’m surprised he’s unhappy at Al Nassr.
— Buchi Laba (@Buchi_Laba) June 28, 2025
- Al Nassr negotiated for him and Victor Boniface and at the end they put both names on the table for Cristiano Ronaldo to pick one. Ronaldo selected Duran.
There’s no signing that…
The Super Eagles striker was said to be excited about the move, but with Ronaldo giving the green light to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran instead, the Nigerian's dream move was off the table.
Victor Boniface denied a mega move
Boniface had a stellar 2023/24 season, helping Bayer Leverkusen clinch the Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso.
With his powerful playing style, scoring ability, and growing international profile, a switch to a club like Al Nassr would have significantly boosted his earnings and global presence.
For Nigerian fans, the idea that one man could stop a Super Eagles talent from making a life-changing move does not sit well. Many believe Boniface deserved the opportunity, and are calling for more transparency in how clubs like Al Nassr make their decisions.
Jhon Duran seeks early Al Nassr exit
Ironically, the player Ronaldo allegedly chose over Boniface, Jhon Duran, is now reportedly unhappy at Al Nassr, barely a year into his stint.
The Jamaican forward is reportedly seeking to leave the Saudi Pro League giants after only six months since his arrival from Aston Villa.
🚨🟡🔵 It’s definitely over between Jhon Durán and Al Nassr.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2025
Fenerbahçe are now closing in on the deal after green light from Al Nassr for the Colombian striker to leave the club.
Director Özek, on it to agree full terms with Durán and bring him to Fenerbahçe. pic.twitter.com/8M21rMaDov
This saga raises serious questions about how much power star players should wield in a club’s operations.
According to One Football, Turkish Super Lig outfit Fenerbahce are reportedly keen on rescuing Duran as they seek to sign the former Premier League striker ahead of the summer transfer window.
Boniface needs to remain at Bayer Leverkusen
Boniface future has been up in the air late but Nigerian journalist Toritseju Williams believes staying at Bayer Leverkusen would be ideal for the 23-year-old forward.
“Victor Boniface should stay put at Bayer Leverkusen, at least for now,” Williams told Legit.ng.
“He’s playing under one of the best coaches, competing in the Champions League, and growing his reputation in Europe.
"A move to Al Nassr, even with the allure of playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, could stall his momentum.”
