Sporting CP defeated FC Porto 1-0 in Primeira Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 23 stage in the 2013 season. The match was played at Estádio José Alvalade (Lisboa). The full-time result capped a Sporting CP vs FC Porto meeting in Primeira Liga with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Sporting CP and FC Porto. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Primeira Liga
Sporting CP SPORecorded meetings: 7 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Sporting CP defeated FC Porto 1-0 in Primeira Liga. The fixture is part of the Regular Season - 23 stage in the 2013 season. The match was played at Estádio José Alvalade (Lisboa). The full-time result capped a Sporting CP vs FC Porto meeting in Primeira Liga with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Sporting CP and FC Porto. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Primeira LigaSporting CP SPORecorded meetings: 7 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with a Portugal national team teammate, as Nelson Semedo is reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo could be about to welcome a familiar face from the Portugal national team to Riyadh, with Nelson Semedo reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr from Fenerbahçe, according to The Nassr Tribune. Per the outlet, Semedo and Al Nassr would have already agreed on personal terms for the move. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, would have requested permission for the Portuguese right-back to feature in one more match before the transfer is finalized. “If nothing goes wrong after that match, Semedo will be an Al Nassr player,” the source reported. That match in question is Fenerbahçe’s Champions League playoff return leg against Lyon, scheduled for August 26 in France. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg in Istanbul on August 18. Semedo’s potential exit would also come amid Fenerbahçe’s need to manage their foreign player quota for the new season, a situation that has been reported by Turkish outlets in recent weeks. Nelson Semedo #2, Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 of Portugal. (Getty Images) If the move were to go through, it would reunite Semedo with Ronaldo under the same club roof for the first time, adding another familiar face to Al Nassr’s dressing room, where Samu Costa also joined during this transfer window. Other Saudi clubs also linked to Semedo Al Nassr wouldn’t have been the only Saudi Pro League side keeping tabs on Semedo. Al Ahli were reported to be preparing a direct offer worth between €6 and 7 million to trigger his departure from Fenerbahçe, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. Separately, Turkish outlets reported interest from Al Shabab, who were also mentioned as a possible destination amid Fenerbahçe’s need to free up space in their foreign player quota. None of those reported approaches, however, would have advanced as far as the personal terms Semedo is now said to have reached with Al Nassr.
Following a tense situation between Julian Alvarez and the Atletico Madrid fanbase, coach Diego Simeone came out to clear things up ahead of the match against Villarreal. Diego Simeone returned to face reporters and moved to clarify his previous comments after being accused of tacitly backing the hostile treatment Julian Alvarez has received from a section of Atletico Madrid’s fanbase. “I want to finish the sentence I started at the last press conference, where I said I respected the fans. That’s absolute, it’s always been that way, but obviously I don’t support insults or abuse. Let that be clear. Any word right now, when people are waiting for that kind of division, can generate conflict and uncertainty,” Simeone said during a press conference. The controversy traces back to Atletico’s LaLiga opener against Malaga, when Alvarez wasn’t included in the squad, due to not being fully fit physically, and didn’t attend the match to support his teammates. A section of supporters responded with chants directed at the absent forward during the 2-0 win, and Simeone’s initial response, saying only that he respected the fans, was widely interpreted as siding with them rather than defending his player. Mañana, Villarreal. 💪 pic.twitter.com/F4yQKUgu4J— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 22, 2026 Before wrapping up, Simeone confirmed Alvarez will be included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Villarreal. “Yes, he’s going to be in the squad. He’s in better shape physically,” the coach said, setting up what could be Alvarez’s first minutes since the World Cup amid all the surrounding controversy. Simeone reaffirms Atletico’s stance on Alvarez’s future The Argentine coach also reaffirmed the club’s stance on Alvarez’s future, aligning himself with comments made by club official Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. “The uncertainties aren’t there. Miguel Ángel spoke clearly. For me, he’s an extremely important player for us to reach our sporting objectives. We’re going to be with him, we’re going to take care of him from a sporting standpoint. Why? Because he’s our player. As long as he’s at Atletico, I’m going to take care of him,” he added. The comments leave little doubt that, at least publicly, Atletico‘s hierarchy is presenting a united front on Alvarez’s situation, coach and club officials alike insisting he remains central to their plans regardless of how the transfer saga with Barcelona has played out.
Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but 41-year-old's next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Cristiano Ronaldo made a massive statement in his return to the pitch, but all eyes are already locked on what’s next for the Al-Nassr captain. Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but the 41-year-old’s next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Ronaldo had started the campaign away from the matchday squad after an extended break, making his comeback one of the biggest talking points of Al-Nassr‘s 4-0 victory. His brief appearance changed that conversation almost immediately, with the veteran forward finding the net and sending an early warning ahead of the club’s next league assignment. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload. Al-Nassr had already established a comfortable advantage against Al-Riyadh through goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix before Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. The Portuguese forward needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Ayman Yahya’s low cross found Ronaldo inside the box, and he expertly created enough room before sweeping a left-footed finish past Milan Borjan in the 83rd minute. It was Ronaldo’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season and his first Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign. The strike also took his extraordinary career tally to 977 goals, leaving him 23 short of the much-discussed 1,000-goal milestone. Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s controlled comeback Postecoglou was careful to explain why Ronaldo was introduced from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian coach wanted his captain to rebuild his fitness gradually following a demanding period away from competitive action. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, according to Al-Riyadiah. The manager was also delighted that Ronaldo managed to score despite receiving limited minutes. “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,” Postecoglou added. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Will Ronaldo play against Al-Ettifaq? That controlled return now appears to have paved the way for a bigger role in Al-Nassr’s next match. Ronaldo is expected to make his first start of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season when Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday. According to Okaz Sports, the Portuguese superstar is set to lead the line at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi time. The report would represent a significant step up in workload after his 28-minute cameo against Al-Riyadh. The timing makes sense after Ronaldo emerged from his first appearance without any reported setback. Postecoglou can now assess him during training before deciding exactly how many minutes he can handle, but his expected start suggests the forward is progressing as hoped.
Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. With a triumphant return to the battlefield, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival as Al-Nassr mercilessly dismantled Al-Riyadh in a 4-0 Friday night conquest. The eternal Portuguese titan carved his name deeper into the club’s lore, his latest strike penning yet another immortal chapter in a breathtaking career. Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. Ronaldo began the match on the bench after missing Al-Nassr‘s opening two competitive fixtures of the season. When Ange Postecoglou introduced him in the 62nd minute, however, the 41-year-old needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute when Ayman Yahya sent a low cross into the area. Ronaldo controlled the ball brilliantly, turned sharply and finished with his left foot to complete a 4-0 victory, marking his first Saudi Pro League goal of the 2026-27 campaign. The goal against Al-Riyadh was Ronaldo’s 977th of his professional career, leaving him only 23 goals away from the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone. It also extended another remarkable scoring streak, as he has now found the net in 25 consecutive professional seasons, stretching back to his breakthrough campaign with Sporting CP. 🚨🚨| CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS 𝟗𝟕𝟕𝐓𝐇 CAREER GOAL ON THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON 🌟🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ronr54IHnl— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s latest achievement comes after he has already established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Saudi soccer since joining Al-Nassr. His ability to maintain that production at 41 has continued to surprise even those accustomed to his remarkable longevity. The forward also celebrated his return with a simple message on social media after the match: “Good to be back.” Ronaldo reaches another historic Saudi Pro League milestone The strike carried far greater significance than simply adding another goal to the scoreline. Ronaldo has now scored 103 Saudi Pro League goals for Al-Nassr, putting him level with Mohammed Al-Sahlawi at the top of the club’s all-time scoring chart in the competition’s professional era. The numbers become even more remarkable when the appearances are taken into account. Ronaldo reached 103 goals in only 108 league appearances, while Al-Sahlawi needed 205 matches to reach the same total, meaning the Portuguese superstar has matched the record in 97 fewer games. PlayerGoalsMatchesGoals per MatchCristiano Ronaldo1031080.95Mohammed Al-Sahlawi1032050.50 Al-Sahlawi remains one of the most important goalscorers in the club’s history, having played a major role during its successful campaigns in the 2010s. Yet Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring rate has allowed him to rapidly catch a record that took his Saudi predecessor more than a decade to establish. One more league goal will now give Ronaldo the record outright. With 103 goals already to his name, the Portuguese captain is within touching distance of becoming Al-Nassr’s undisputed leading scorer in the competition. When could Ronaldo break the record? For Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s latest milestone adds another layer to an already impressive start under Postecoglou. Two league wins, six points and 103 Saudi Pro League goals from Ronaldo have put the defending champion in an ideal position after the opening two rounds. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC The next target is obvious. One more league goal will see Ronaldo move clear of Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s outright all-time leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has two potential record-breaking opportunities coming up in upcoming matches for Al-Nassr: Tuesday, August 25, against Al-Ittifaq, and next Friday, August 28, against Al-Taawoun.
The 41-year-old icon needed just minutes to leave his mark on the match, while Ange Postecoglou offered a revealing assessment of his captain after the final whistle. Cristiano Ronaldo made a spectacular return to the pitch, smashing home a goal during Al-Nassr’s dominant 4-0 Saudi Pro League sweep over Al-Riyadh. The 41-year-old icon needed just minutes to leave his mark on the match, while Ange Postecoglou offered a revealing assessment of his captain after the final whistle. Al-Nassr entered the match looking to preserve its perfect start to the league campaign after defeating Al-Fateh 3-0 in the opening round. Ronaldo had missed that match and the subsequent King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, making his return one of the major storylines surrounding Friday’s contest. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload following his extended break from competitive play. The Portuguese star eventually entered in the 62nd minute, replacing Abdullah Al-Hamdan with Al-Nassr already holding a commanding 3-0 advantage. He needed only 21 minutes to get on the scoresheet. The 41-year-old superstar collected a low delivery from Ayman Yahya, protected the ball brilliantly before creating space, and swept a left-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Milan Borjan to complete the 4-0 victory. 🚨🚨| CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS 𝟗𝟕𝟕𝐓𝐇 CAREER GOAL ON THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON 🌟🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ronr54IHnl— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 21, 2026 The goal was Ronaldo’s first of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season and the 977th of his professional career. It also extended his extraordinary scoring run across 25 consecutive seasons and further fueled his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. What did Postecoglou say about Ronaldo’s controlled return? After the match, Postecoglou explained why Ronaldo was introduced gradually rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian manager stressed that his captain needed time to rebuild his fitness after a particularly demanding period. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, via Al-Riyadiah. The manager was delighted with what he saw once Ronaldo entered the game: “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,”. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s 28-minute appearance was therefore exactly the kind of controlled comeback Al-Nassr had been hoping for, with the forward contributing a goal without being asked to carry the full workload from the opening whistle. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr send early warning The 4-0 victory means Al-Nassr has collected six points from its opening two Saudi Pro League matches, scoring seven goals while keeping two clean sheets. The defending champion currently sits at the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Al-Hilal. For Ronaldo, the night offered an encouraging first step after his absence from the opening fixtures. His return gives Postecoglou another elite attacking weapon, while his 977 career goals mean the extraordinary 1,000-goal target is now only 23 strikes away. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC Ronaldo has previously indicated that the current campaign could be his final season, describing it as “probably my last year of football.” With his Al-Nassr contract running until June 2027, the veteran forward now has another opportunity to chase history while helping his club defend its league crown.
The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has officially scored his 977th career goal to put Al-Nassr at the Saudi Pro League top. The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution. Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net. 23…⏳️I'm already there… pic.twitter.com/rSOYeChzr8— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Chasing historic milestone At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-awaited return for Al-Nassr on Friday night, and the timing could hardly have been better. The 41-year-old came off the bench during a 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Riyadh and immediately added another memorable moment to a career already filled with historic achievements. Ronaldo had been absent from Al-Nassr’s opening matches of the campaign, leaving plenty of anticipation around his eventual comeback. When the moment finally arrived, he needed only 21 minutes on the pitch to score his first goal of the 2026-27 season and take his career tally to 977. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as new head coach Ange Postecoglou opted to manage his minutes following his extended break. He entered in the 62nd minute with his side already leading 3-0, and the stadium erupted as the Portuguese superstar returned to competitive action. Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix had already put the Knight of Najd firmly in control before Ronaldo was introduced. The captain’s armband was handed to him, and the forward quickly settled into the contest as Al-Nassr continued to dominate. Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC Ronaldo had already gone close before finally finding the net in the 83rd minute. Ayman Yahya burst forward on the right and sent a low ball across the area, allowing the 41-year-old veteran to take a touch before calmly finishing with his left foot to complete the 4-0 victory. The goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike and his 130th for Al-Nassr in all competitions since joining the club in December 2022. Long-awaited comeback after 2026 World Cup Ronaldo’s absence at the beginning of the season came after Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. His extended break meant he missed Al-Nassr’s 3-0 league victory over Al-Fateh and the club’s 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. The decision to ease him back into action therefore came as little surprise. Postecoglou waited until Al-Nassr had established a commanding advantage before turning to his captain, giving Ronaldo enough time to make an impact without immediately placing a full-match workload on him. The approach worked perfectly. Ronaldo entered with Al-Nassr three goals ahead and left having scored the fourth, providing the ideal return for both the player and his new coach. The goal against Al-Riyadh also carried a significance that went beyond his comeback. It extended Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring run to 25 consecutive professional seasons, making him the first soccer player in history to achieve the feat. The message Ronaldo chose after his return After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Instead, he shared a photograph of himself smiling alongside his Al-Nassr teammates and accompanied it with three simple words: “Good to be back.” View this post on Instagram The short message perfectly captured the mood surrounding his comeback. After weeks away from the pitch, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was back in the Al-Nassr shirt, wearing the captain’s armband and scoring within minutes of his return. The photograph showed the Portuguese surrounded by teammates in Al-Nassr’s yellow shirts, visibly enjoying the moment. For a player who has spent much of his career turning milestones into routine, the simple celebration offered a glimpse of how significant this particular return was.
The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. Cristiano Ronaldo has opened the new campaign with another milestone that adds to an already extraordinary career, scoring in Al-Nassr’s convincing 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Friday. The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. At 41, Ronaldo continues to produce numbers that would be remarkable for a player in his prime. His latest strike moved his career tally to 977 goals and added another extraordinary chapter to a run that began more than two decades ago. The superstar veteran made his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 season against Al-Riyadh and quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of soccer’s most prolific scorers. Coming off the bench, the Portuguese needed just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Al-Nassr secured its second consecutive Saudi Pro League victory. The goal came during a dominant performance from Ange Postecoglou‘s players, who eventually completed a 4-0 victory. For Ronaldo, however, the personal significance of the strike was arguably even greater than the result, as it continued a scoring run that has stretched across an astonishing portion of his career. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 L’Équipe highlighted that Ronaldo had scored for the 25th consecutive season, while ESPN also confirmed that the 2026-27 campaign represents his 25th professional season since his breakthrough at Sporting CP. L’Équipe also reported that the goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike. The historic record finally revealed That latest goal means Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in 25 consecutive seasons. His remarkable streak began during the 2002-03 season with Sporting CP, when he scored his first professional goals, and it has continued through every chapter of his career. The achievement moves Ronaldo beyond another legendary goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish legend had previously held the record after scoring in 24 consecutive seasons, from 1999-2000 through 2022-23. AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match. Ronaldo’s sequence has survived several major changes in his career, from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Al-Nassr. The fact that the streak has remained intact across different leagues, clubs and generations is what makes the milestone particularly remarkable. His first professional goal came for Sporting CP on October 7, 2002, and more than 24 years later, he is still adding to the sequence. AS recalled how that first strike helped begin what would eventually become one of the most decorated and prolific careers soccer has ever seen. Another milestone as Ronaldo chases 1,000 goals The timing of the record is also significant because Ronaldo is approaching another potentially historic landmark. His goal against Al-Riyadh took his career total to 977, leaving him only 23 goals short of 1,000. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Ronaldo has previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign, meaning the pursuit of four figures has taken on even greater importance. The Portuguese captain has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach the milestone, and every goal now brings him closer.
After a strong start without its captain, the club now heads into Friday’s Riyadh derby with a major question hanging over the team, and the answer could shape the way Ange Postecoglou approaches the contest. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again have to wait for his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Riyadh in a Riyadh derby on Matchday 2. The Portugal captain had been expected to make his long-awaited return, but the latest team news has provided a different answer. The decision is especially significant because Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr‘s opening league match and the club’s King’s Cup victory. His continued absence has therefore become one of the biggest talking points surrounding Al-Nassr at the beginning of the new campaign, particularly after the club enjoyed an impressive start without its captain. Al-Nassr has still given supporters plenty of reasons for optimism. The club opened the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh before following it with a 4-1 win over Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, giving Ange Postecoglou a perfect competitive start. The biggest development ahead of the Riyadh derby is that Ronaldo has been named among the substitutes rather than in Al-Nassr’s starting XI. That means the 41-year-old remains available to Postecoglou, but the manager has opted against throwing him straight into the starting lineup. The work is done. Tomorrow, we play 💛 pic.twitter.com/Gn2fb4HtDV— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The decision will inevitably raise questions about when the Portugal international will finally make his first competitive start of the season. For now, though, Al-Nassr appear to be taking a cautious approach rather than rushing their biggest attacking star back into action. The reason behind Ronaldo’s absence The explanation for Ronaldo’s continued absence goes back to the unusual circumstances surrounding his preseason preparation. The veteran forward returned from his post-World Cup break later than many of his teammates, while his wedding celebrations also contributed to the limited amount of preparation time available to him. More recently, reports indicated that Ronaldo had been dealing with discomfort involving a pelvic muscle issue. That problem reportedly resulted in the striker training separately from his teammates while Al-Nassr’s medical staff monitored his condition. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy That context helps explain why Postecoglou has resisted immediately putting Ronaldo into the starting lineup. With a long season ahead, Al-Nassr have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player they will need for the biggest domestic and continental matches. Ronaldo had already missed the 3-0 league victory against Al-Fateh, while he was also absent from the 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. His return to the matchday squad against Al-Riyadh therefore represents progress, even if he has not yet been trusted from the opening whistle. Al-Nassr have coped impressively without its captain Ronaldo’s absence would normally represent a major attacking setback for any team, but Al-Nassr have managed to produce convincing results without him. The club has scored seven goals across its first two competitive matches, conceding only one in the process. Postecoglou has also benefited from the attacking quality around Ronaldo. Joao Felix, Angelo and Sadio Mane provide the team with different ways of creating chances, while the summer additions have helped ensure that the attack does not depend entirely on the Portuguese striker. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. That could make Ronaldo’s eventual return even more interesting. Rather than having to immediately carry the attack, he should be joining a team that has already developed some rhythm and confidence under its new manager. Al-Riyadh vs Al-Nassr: Confirm
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Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with a Portugal national team teammate, as Nelson Semedo is reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo could be about to welcome a familiar face from the Portugal national team to Riyadh, with Nelson Semedo reportedly closing in on a move to Al Nassr from Fenerbahçe, according to The Nassr Tribune. Per the outlet, Semedo and Al Nassr would have already agreed on personal terms for the move. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, would have requested permission for the Portuguese right-back to feature in one more match before the transfer is finalized. “If nothing goes wrong after that match, Semedo will be an Al Nassr player,” the source reported. That match in question is Fenerbahçe’s Champions League playoff return leg against Lyon, scheduled for August 26 in France. The two sides drew 1-1 in the first leg in Istanbul on August 18. Semedo’s potential exit would also come amid Fenerbahçe’s need to manage their foreign player quota for the new season, a situation that has been reported by Turkish outlets in recent weeks. Nelson Semedo #2, Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 of Portugal. (Getty Images) If the move were to go through, it would reunite Semedo with Ronaldo under the same club roof for the first time, adding another familiar face to Al Nassr’s dressing room, where Samu Costa also joined during this transfer window. Other Saudi clubs also linked to Semedo Al Nassr wouldn’t have been the only Saudi Pro League side keeping tabs on Semedo. Al Ahli were reported to be preparing a direct offer worth between €6 and 7 million to trigger his departure from Fenerbahçe, according to journalist Ekrem Konur. Separately, Turkish outlets reported interest from Al Shabab, who were also mentioned as a possible destination amid Fenerbahçe’s need to free up space in their foreign player quota. None of those reported approaches, however, would have advanced as far as the personal terms Semedo is now said to have reached with Al Nassr.
Following a tense situation between Julian Alvarez and the Atletico Madrid fanbase, coach Diego Simeone came out to clear things up ahead of the match against Villarreal. Diego Simeone returned to face reporters and moved to clarify his previous comments after being accused of tacitly backing the hostile treatment Julian Alvarez has received from a section of Atletico Madrid’s fanbase. “I want to finish the sentence I started at the last press conference, where I said I respected the fans. That’s absolute, it’s always been that way, but obviously I don’t support insults or abuse. Let that be clear. Any word right now, when people are waiting for that kind of division, can generate conflict and uncertainty,” Simeone said during a press conference. The controversy traces back to Atletico’s LaLiga opener against Malaga, when Alvarez wasn’t included in the squad, due to not being fully fit physically, and didn’t attend the match to support his teammates. A section of supporters responded with chants directed at the absent forward during the 2-0 win, and Simeone’s initial response, saying only that he respected the fans, was widely interpreted as siding with them rather than defending his player. Mañana, Villarreal. 💪 pic.twitter.com/F4yQKUgu4J— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) August 22, 2026 Before wrapping up, Simeone confirmed Alvarez will be included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Villarreal. “Yes, he’s going to be in the squad. He’s in better shape physically,” the coach said, setting up what could be Alvarez’s first minutes since the World Cup amid all the surrounding controversy. Simeone reaffirms Atletico’s stance on Alvarez’s future The Argentine coach also reaffirmed the club’s stance on Alvarez’s future, aligning himself with comments made by club official Miguel Ángel Gil Marín. “The uncertainties aren’t there. Miguel Ángel spoke clearly. For me, he’s an extremely important player for us to reach our sporting objectives. We’re going to be with him, we’re going to take care of him from a sporting standpoint. Why? Because he’s our player. As long as he’s at Atletico, I’m going to take care of him,” he added. The comments leave little doubt that, at least publicly, Atletico‘s hierarchy is presenting a united front on Alvarez’s situation, coach and club officials alike insisting he remains central to their plans regardless of how the transfer saga with Barcelona has played out.
Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but 41-year-old's next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Cristiano Ronaldo made a massive statement in his return to the pitch, but all eyes are already locked on what’s next for the Al-Nassr captain. Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but the 41-year-old’s next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Ronaldo had started the campaign away from the matchday squad after an extended break, making his comeback one of the biggest talking points of Al-Nassr‘s 4-0 victory. His brief appearance changed that conversation almost immediately, with the veteran forward finding the net and sending an early warning ahead of the club’s next league assignment. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload. Al-Nassr had already established a comfortable advantage against Al-Riyadh through goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix before Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. The Portuguese forward needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Ayman Yahya’s low cross found Ronaldo inside the box, and he expertly created enough room before sweeping a left-footed finish past Milan Borjan in the 83rd minute. It was Ronaldo’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season and his first Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign. The strike also took his extraordinary career tally to 977 goals, leaving him 23 short of the much-discussed 1,000-goal milestone. Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s controlled comeback Postecoglou was careful to explain why Ronaldo was introduced from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian coach wanted his captain to rebuild his fitness gradually following a demanding period away from competitive action. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, according to Al-Riyadiah. The manager was also delighted that Ronaldo managed to score despite receiving limited minutes. “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,” Postecoglou added. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Will Ronaldo play against Al-Ettifaq? That controlled return now appears to have paved the way for a bigger role in Al-Nassr’s next match. Ronaldo is expected to make his first start of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season when Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday. According to Okaz Sports, the Portuguese superstar is set to lead the line at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi time. The report would represent a significant step up in workload after his 28-minute cameo against Al-Riyadh. The timing makes sense after Ronaldo emerged from his first appearance without any reported setback. Postecoglou can now assess him during training before deciding exactly how many minutes he can handle, but his expected start suggests the forward is progressing as hoped.
Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. With a triumphant return to the battlefield, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival as Al-Nassr mercilessly dismantled Al-Riyadh in a 4-0 Friday night conquest. The eternal Portuguese titan carved his name deeper into the club’s lore, his latest strike penning yet another immortal chapter in a breathtaking career. Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. Ronaldo began the match on the bench after missing Al-Nassr‘s opening two competitive fixtures of the season. When Ange Postecoglou introduced him in the 62nd minute, however, the 41-year-old needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute when Ayman Yahya sent a low cross into the area. Ronaldo controlled the ball brilliantly, turned sharply and finished with his left foot to complete a 4-0 victory, marking his first Saudi Pro League goal of the 2026-27 campaign. The goal against Al-Riyadh was Ronaldo’s 977th of his professional career, leaving him only 23 goals away from the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone. It also extended another remarkable scoring streak, as he has now found the net in 25 consecutive professional seasons, stretching back to his breakthrough campaign with Sporting CP. 🚨🚨| CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS 𝟗𝟕𝟕𝐓𝐇 CAREER GOAL ON THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON 🌟🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ronr54IHnl— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s latest achievement comes after he has already established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Saudi soccer since joining Al-Nassr. His ability to maintain that production at 41 has continued to surprise even those accustomed to his remarkable longevity. The forward also celebrated his return with a simple message on social media after the match: “Good to be back.” Ronaldo reaches another historic Saudi Pro League milestone The strike carried far greater significance than simply adding another goal to the scoreline. Ronaldo has now scored 103 Saudi Pro League goals for Al-Nassr, putting him level with Mohammed Al-Sahlawi at the top of the club’s all-time scoring chart in the competition’s professional era. The numbers become even more remarkable when the appearances are taken into account. Ronaldo reached 103 goals in only 108 league appearances, while Al-Sahlawi needed 205 matches to reach the same total, meaning the Portuguese superstar has matched the record in 97 fewer games. PlayerGoalsMatchesGoals per MatchCristiano Ronaldo1031080.95Mohammed Al-Sahlawi1032050.50 Al-Sahlawi remains one of the most important goalscorers in the club’s history, having played a major role during its successful campaigns in the 2010s. Yet Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring rate has allowed him to rapidly catch a record that took his Saudi predecessor more than a decade to establish. One more league goal will now give Ronaldo the record outright. With 103 goals already to his name, the Portuguese captain is within touching distance of becoming Al-Nassr’s undisputed leading scorer in the competition. When could Ronaldo break the record? For Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s latest milestone adds another layer to an already impressive start under Postecoglou. Two league wins, six points and 103 Saudi Pro League goals from Ronaldo have put the defending champion in an ideal position after the opening two rounds. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC The next target is obvious. One more league goal will see Ronaldo move clear of Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s outright all-time leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has two potential record-breaking opportunities coming up in upcoming matches for Al-Nassr: Tuesday, August 25, against Al-Ittifaq, and next Friday, August 28, against Al-Taawoun.
The 41-year-old icon needed just minutes to leave his mark on the match, while Ange Postecoglou offered a revealing assessment of his captain after the final whistle. Cristiano Ronaldo made a spectacular return to the pitch, smashing home a goal during Al-Nassr’s dominant 4-0 Saudi Pro League sweep over Al-Riyadh. The 41-year-old icon needed just minutes to leave his mark on the match, while Ange Postecoglou offered a revealing assessment of his captain after the final whistle. Al-Nassr entered the match looking to preserve its perfect start to the league campaign after defeating Al-Fateh 3-0 in the opening round. Ronaldo had missed that match and the subsequent King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, making his return one of the major storylines surrounding Friday’s contest. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload following his extended break from competitive play. The Portuguese star eventually entered in the 62nd minute, replacing Abdullah Al-Hamdan with Al-Nassr already holding a commanding 3-0 advantage. He needed only 21 minutes to get on the scoresheet. The 41-year-old superstar collected a low delivery from Ayman Yahya, protected the ball brilliantly before creating space, and swept a left-footed finish beyond goalkeeper Milan Borjan to complete the 4-0 victory. 🚨🚨| CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS 𝟗𝟕𝟕𝐓𝐇 CAREER GOAL ON THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON 🌟🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ronr54IHnl— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 21, 2026 The goal was Ronaldo’s first of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season and the 977th of his professional career. It also extended his extraordinary scoring run across 25 consecutive seasons and further fueled his pursuit of the 1,000-goal milestone. What did Postecoglou say about Ronaldo’s controlled return? After the match, Postecoglou explained why Ronaldo was introduced gradually rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian manager stressed that his captain needed time to rebuild his fitness after a particularly demanding period. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, via Al-Riyadiah. The manager was delighted with what he saw once Ronaldo entered the game: “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,”. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s 28-minute appearance was therefore exactly the kind of controlled comeback Al-Nassr had been hoping for, with the forward contributing a goal without being asked to carry the full workload from the opening whistle. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr send early warning The 4-0 victory means Al-Nassr has collected six points from its opening two Saudi Pro League matches, scoring seven goals while keeping two clean sheets. The defending champion currently sits at the top of the table on goal difference ahead of Al-Hilal. For Ronaldo, the night offered an encouraging first step after his absence from the opening fixtures. His return gives Postecoglou another elite attacking weapon, while his 977 career goals mean the extraordinary 1,000-goal target is now only 23 strikes away. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC Ronaldo has previously indicated that the current campaign could be his final season, describing it as “probably my last year of football.” With his Al-Nassr contract running until June 2027, the veteran forward now has another opportunity to chase history while helping his club defend its league crown.
The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has officially scored his 977th career goal to put Al-Nassr at the Saudi Pro League top. The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution. Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net. 23…⏳️I'm already there… pic.twitter.com/rSOYeChzr8— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Chasing historic milestone At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-awaited return for Al-Nassr on Friday night, and the timing could hardly have been better. The 41-year-old came off the bench during a 4-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Riyadh and immediately added another memorable moment to a career already filled with historic achievements. Ronaldo had been absent from Al-Nassr’s opening matches of the campaign, leaving plenty of anticipation around his eventual comeback. When the moment finally arrived, he needed only 21 minutes on the pitch to score his first goal of the 2026-27 season and take his career tally to 977. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as new head coach Ange Postecoglou opted to manage his minutes following his extended break. He entered in the 62nd minute with his side already leading 3-0, and the stadium erupted as the Portuguese superstar returned to competitive action. Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix had already put the Knight of Najd firmly in control before Ronaldo was introduced. The captain’s armband was handed to him, and the forward quickly settled into the contest as Al-Nassr continued to dominate. Abdullah Al-Hamdan and Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC Ronaldo had already gone close before finally finding the net in the 83rd minute. Ayman Yahya burst forward on the right and sent a low ball across the area, allowing the 41-year-old veteran to take a touch before calmly finishing with his left foot to complete the 4-0 victory. The goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike and his 130th for Al-Nassr in all competitions since joining the club in December 2022. Long-awaited comeback after 2026 World Cup Ronaldo’s absence at the beginning of the season came after Portugal’s run at the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. His extended break meant he missed Al-Nassr’s 3-0 league victory over Al-Fateh and the club’s 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. The decision to ease him back into action therefore came as little surprise. Postecoglou waited until Al-Nassr had established a commanding advantage before turning to his captain, giving Ronaldo enough time to make an impact without immediately placing a full-match workload on him. The approach worked perfectly. Ronaldo entered with Al-Nassr three goals ahead and left having scored the fourth, providing the ideal return for both the player and his new coach. The goal against Al-Riyadh also carried a significance that went beyond his comeback. It extended Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring run to 25 consecutive professional seasons, making him the first soccer player in history to achieve the feat. The message Ronaldo chose after his return After the final whistle, Ronaldo appeared to have little need for a lengthy explanation about how much the return meant to him. Instead, he shared a photograph of himself smiling alongside his Al-Nassr teammates and accompanied it with three simple words: “Good to be back.” View this post on Instagram The short message perfectly captured the mood surrounding his comeback. After weeks away from the pitch, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was back in the Al-Nassr shirt, wearing the captain’s armband and scoring within minutes of his return. The photograph showed the Portuguese surrounded by teammates in Al-Nassr’s yellow shirts, visibly enjoying the moment. For a player who has spent much of his career turning milestones into routine, the simple celebration offered a glimpse of how significant this particular return was.
The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. Cristiano Ronaldo has opened the new campaign with another milestone that adds to an already extraordinary career, scoring in Al-Nassr’s convincing 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh on Friday. The Portuguese forward needed only 20 minutes to find the net, but the significance of the goal went far beyond the scoreline. At 41, Ronaldo continues to produce numbers that would be remarkable for a player in his prime. His latest strike moved his career tally to 977 goals and added another extraordinary chapter to a run that began more than two decades ago. The superstar veteran made his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 season against Al-Riyadh and quickly reminded everyone why he remains one of soccer’s most prolific scorers. Coming off the bench, the Portuguese needed just 20 minutes to get on the scoresheet as Al-Nassr secured its second consecutive Saudi Pro League victory. The goal came during a dominant performance from Ange Postecoglou‘s players, who eventually completed a 4-0 victory. For Ronaldo, however, the personal significance of the strike was arguably even greater than the result, as it continued a scoring run that has stretched across an astonishing portion of his career. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 L’Équipe highlighted that Ronaldo had scored for the 25th consecutive season, while ESPN also confirmed that the 2026-27 campaign represents his 25th professional season since his breakthrough at Sporting CP. L’Équipe also reported that the goal was Ronaldo’s 977th career strike. The historic record finally revealed That latest goal means Ronaldo has become the first player in history to score in 25 consecutive seasons. His remarkable streak began during the 2002-03 season with Sporting CP, when he scored his first professional goals, and it has continued through every chapter of his career. The achievement moves Ronaldo beyond another legendary goalscorer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish legend had previously held the record after scoring in 24 consecutive seasons, from 1999-2000 through 2022-23. AC Milan Senior Advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on before the Serie A match. Ronaldo’s sequence has survived several major changes in his career, from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before his move to Al-Nassr. The fact that the streak has remained intact across different leagues, clubs and generations is what makes the milestone particularly remarkable. His first professional goal came for Sporting CP on October 7, 2002, and more than 24 years later, he is still adding to the sequence. AS recalled how that first strike helped begin what would eventually become one of the most decorated and prolific careers soccer has ever seen. Another milestone as Ronaldo chases 1,000 goals The timing of the record is also significant because Ronaldo is approaching another potentially historic landmark. His goal against Al-Riyadh took his career total to 977, leaving him only 23 goals short of 1,000. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Ronaldo has previously suggested that the 2026-27 season could be his final campaign, meaning the pursuit of four figures has taken on even greater importance. The Portuguese captain has repeatedly spoken about his desire to reach the milestone, and every goal now brings him closer.
After a strong start without its captain, the club now heads into Friday’s Riyadh derby with a major question hanging over the team, and the answer could shape the way Ange Postecoglou approaches the contest. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again have to wait for his first competitive appearance of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, with Al-Nassr facing Al-Riyadh in a Riyadh derby on Matchday 2. The Portugal captain had been expected to make his long-awaited return, but the latest team news has provided a different answer. The decision is especially significant because Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr‘s opening league match and the club’s King’s Cup victory. His continued absence has therefore become one of the biggest talking points surrounding Al-Nassr at the beginning of the new campaign, particularly after the club enjoyed an impressive start without its captain. Al-Nassr has still given supporters plenty of reasons for optimism. The club opened the Saudi Pro League season with a 3-0 victory over Al-Fateh before following it with a 4-1 win over Al-Diriyah in the King’s Cup, giving Ange Postecoglou a perfect competitive start. The biggest development ahead of the Riyadh derby is that Ronaldo has been named among the substitutes rather than in Al-Nassr’s starting XI. That means the 41-year-old remains available to Postecoglou, but the manager has opted against throwing him straight into the starting lineup. The work is done. Tomorrow, we play 💛 pic.twitter.com/Gn2fb4HtDV— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The decision will inevitably raise questions about when the Portugal international will finally make his first competitive start of the season. For now, though, Al-Nassr appear to be taking a cautious approach rather than rushing their biggest attacking star back into action. The reason behind Ronaldo’s absence The explanation for Ronaldo’s continued absence goes back to the unusual circumstances surrounding his preseason preparation. The veteran forward returned from his post-World Cup break later than many of his teammates, while his wedding celebrations also contributed to the limited amount of preparation time available to him. More recently, reports indicated that Ronaldo had been dealing with discomfort involving a pelvic muscle issue. That problem reportedly resulted in the striker training separately from his teammates while Al-Nassr’s medical staff monitored his condition. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy That context helps explain why Postecoglou has resisted immediately putting Ronaldo into the starting lineup. With a long season ahead, Al-Nassr have little reason to take unnecessary risks with a player they will need for the biggest domestic and continental matches. Ronaldo had already missed the 3-0 league victory against Al-Fateh, while he was also absent from the 4-1 King’s Cup win over Al-Diriyah. His return to the matchday squad against Al-Riyadh therefore represents progress, even if he has not yet been trusted from the opening whistle. Al-Nassr have coped impressively without its captain Ronaldo’s absence would normally represent a major attacking setback for any team, but Al-Nassr have managed to produce convincing results without him. The club has scored seven goals across its first two competitive matches, conceding only one in the process. Postecoglou has also benefited from the attacking quality around Ronaldo. Joao Felix, Angelo and Sadio Mane provide the team with different ways of creating chances, while the summer additions have helped ensure that the attack does not depend entirely on the Portuguese striker. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. That could make Ronaldo’s eventual return even more interesting. Rather than having to immediately carry the attack, he should be joining a team that has already developed some rhythm and confidence under its new manager. Al-Riyadh vs Al-Nassr: Confirm
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