Cristiano Ronaldo left out of Al‑Nassr squad for Saudi Pro League opener at Al‑Awwal Park

Cristiano Ronaldo was not included in Al‑Nassr’s squad for their Saudi Pro League 2026‑27 season opener against Al Fateh at Al‑Awwal Park in Riyadh on Saturday night. The 41‑year‑old had returned to first‑team training and had been expected to feature but was omitted from the final matchday squad.

Al‑Nassr begin the defence of the Saudi Pro League title they won in 2025‑26 under Jorge Jesus, with Ange Postecoglou installed as the club’s new head coach for this campaign. The team’s pre‑season produced one win from four fixtures against Benfica B, Mérida, Estrela and UD Almeria. A successful start in the league opener was framed as a potential boost for Postecoglou’s side, while Al Fateh had lost both league meetings with Al‑Nassr last season.

Club sources linked Ronaldo’s absence from the match to his missing the club’s pre‑season programme. He had been on a break after a long domestic season, was part of Portugal’s squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and married his long‑term partner Georgia Rodriguez on August 11, all cited as factors affecting his preparation for the new season.

Although Ronaldo resumed training with the first team ahead of the opener, the club indicated it would take time for him to regain full match fitness. Postecoglou selected Abdullah Al‑Hamdan to start as Al‑Nassr’s first‑choice striker for the game in Ronaldo’s absence.

Ronaldo’s return of 28 goals and 2 assists in 30 matches last season was noted by the club; he was part of the Al‑Nassr side that secured the 2025‑26 Saudi Pro League title, ending a seven‑year wait for the club.

The club has signalled that Ronaldo can be expected to be part of Al‑Nassr’s Saudi King’s Cup fixture against Diriyah Club, setting that cup tie as his likely next opportunity for competitive action.