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Cristiano Ronaldo reported back to Al Nassr for training on Monday, returning to the Saudi club after an early departure from the Portugal national team camp. The 41-year-old forward touched down in Riyadh late Sunday evening, arriving just before kickoff of Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, a result that secured the national team’s place in the quarterfinals of the Nations League.
Al Nassr Welcomes Captain Back to Riyadh
Al Nassr marked the return of their captain through social media channels, sharing a message welcoming the forward to the heart of Najd, declaring O melhor de sempre. No coração de Najd. No Al Nassr
. Club posts highlighted that the player debuted a new visual style upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia. His return to domestic action is scheduled for Friday, when Al Nassr hosts Al Diriyah—managed by fellow Portuguese coach Bruno Lage—in the eighth round of the championship.
Georgina Rodríguez shares journey on social media
His partner Georgina Rodríguez documented aspects of the journey. Rodríguez shared photographs on social media capturing moments from inside the aircraft as well as their arrival at the airport on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Ronaldo leaves national team camp amid scrutiny
Ronaldo’s return to club football follows a week of intense media scrutiny surrounding his departure from the national team setup in Europe. The forward remained an unused substitute during Portugal’s match against Norway in Oslo, spending the entire second half warming up without ultimately entering the pitch. Reports indicated he did not acknowledge the supporters after that fixture and subsequently left the squad’s camp ahead of a match against Denmark to travel to his home in Madrid, promising to share the truth with the Portuguese in due course. Following these events, the only noted gesture from the 41-year-old international was a like
on an Instagram post showing former Brazilian international Felipe Melo criticizing CR7’s national selection teammates.
The situation prompted commentary from within the Portuguese squad. Teammate Bruno Fernandes addressed reporters during the international window, urging supporters not to divide their loyalties or make choices, stating O Cris merece o respeito de todos os portugueses, independentemente de quem gostar mais ou gostar menos dele.
National team manager Jorge Jesus similarly addressed questions regarding the player, emphasizing the forward’s status as a symbol of the Portuguese national team and a symbol of Portugal while navigating preparations for the team’s fixtures, noting before the Norway fixture that O problema neste momento chama-se Noruega
and depois do jogo há muito tempo para se falar sobre isso
.
Upcoming Fixture Against Al Diriyah
With international duties behind him, Ronaldo shifts focus back to the Saudi campaign. His last appearance prior to the international break came in a 1-0 victory over Wales at Alvalade, where he featured for 67 minutes. Al Nassr now prepares to face Al Diriyah on Friday at home, looking to integrate their captain back into the lineup for the league clash.
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Saudi Arabia
When did Cristiano Ronaldo arrive back in Saudi Arabia?
The forward landed in Riyadh on Sunday night, October 4, 2026, just before Portugal’s Nations League match against Norway began.
Which team does Al Nassr face next?
Al Nassr plays at home against Al Diriyah on Friday in the eighth round of the championship.
Who manages Al Diriyah?
Al Diriyah is managed by Portuguese coach Bruno Lage.
How many minutes did Ronaldo play in his final match before returning?
He played 67 minutes in a 1-0 victory against Wales at Alvalade.
