RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Concerns are mounting for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo after Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed a more serious than initially feared hamstring injury. The 39-year-old forward has traveled to Madrid to begin specialist rehabilitation, raising questions about his availability for both club and country as a crucial period of the season unfolds. The injury occurred during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Fayha on February 28, 2026.
Jesus revealed the extent of the injury during a press conference, stating that Ronaldo will receive treatment from his long-term personal medical team in Spain. “In the last game, Cristiano left with a muscle injury,” Jesus explained. “After the tests he underwent, it became clear that We see a more serious injury than we were expecting. He will require rest and recovery. Cristiano will travel to Spain for treatment, as will other players who were injured. He will need treatment from his personal physiotherapist.”
The timing of the injury is particularly problematic, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and international icon, is eager to compete in what could be his final World Cup tournament. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin in June 2026.
Injury Details and Recovery Timeline
Medical evaluations have revealed a tear in the back of Ronaldo’s right thigh, specifically a hamstring tendon injury. Al-Nassr officially diagnosed the injury as a “lesion in the corva tendon” following the match against Al-Fayha. The club has initiated a rehabilitation program and will evaluate his progress on a day-to-day basis.
The severity of the injury will dictate the length of Ronaldo’s absence. Hamstring injuries are graded on a scale of one to three, with grade one representing a mild strain and grade three indicating a complete rupture. A grade one strain could require as little as three weeks of recovery, while a grade two injury could sideline him for a month or two. A grade three rupture could potentially keep him out for up to six months. Given the World Cup is just over three months away, the situation is understandably concerning for both Al-Nassr and the Portuguese national team.
Impact on Al-Nassr and Portugal
Ronaldo will miss Al-Nassr’s upcoming match against Neom. The club had a Champions League fixture scheduled for this week, but it has been postponed due to the ongoing regional instability in the Middle East. This postponement provides a small window of opportunity for Ronaldo to begin his recovery without immediately impacting the club’s competitive schedule.
The Portuguese national team will also be anxiously monitoring Ronaldo’s progress. He remains a pivotal figure for A Seleção, and his presence is crucial to their hopes of success in major tournaments. Ronaldo currently holds the record for most international goals scored, with 143 goals in 226 appearances as of February 2026, according to Wikipedia. Source
Ronaldo’s Madrid Trip and Specialist Care
Ronaldo utilized his private jet to travel to Madrid, seeking the expertise of his trusted medical team. This proactive approach underscores the importance of his recovery and the desire to return to the pitch as quickly and safely as possible. The decision to seek treatment in Madrid reflects Ronaldo’s established relationship with medical professionals in Spain, where he previously enjoyed a highly successful nine-year stint with Real Madrid.
The club has emphasized its commitment to providing Ronaldo with the best possible care. “Viajará a España para recibir tratamiento con un terapeuta personal, como hacen otros jugadores. Esperamos que regrese pronto y pueda ayudar al equipo,” Jesus stated, translating to “He will travel to Spain to receive treatment with a personal therapist, as other players do. We hope he returns soon and can help the team.”
This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has sought specialized treatment in Madrid. Throughout his career, he has frequently utilized the city’s medical facilities for rehabilitation and recovery. His wife was already in Madrid when he arrived, suggesting a coordinated plan to support his recovery process.
The situation remains fluid, and the full extent of Ronaldo’s injury will become clearer in the coming days as he undergoes further evaluation in Madrid. Fans and followers will be closely watching for updates on his progress, hoping for a swift and complete recovery for one of football’s greatest icons.
Al-Nassr will continue to provide updates on Ronaldo’s condition as they become available. The next confirmed checkpoint will be the release of a further medical bulletin following his initial assessment in Madrid.
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