Telavi · Attacker · #12 · Spain · 26 yrs
With the club preparing for a new campaign and searching for a replacement for Jorge Jesus, attention has turned toward another important question: whether one of the team’s most influential defenders would remain part of the project. For much of the season, Cristiano Ronaldo and Inigo Martinez played central roles in Al-Nassr’s march to the Saudi Pro League title. Now, with the club preparing for a new campaign and searching for a replacement for Jorge Jesus, attention has turned toward another important question: whether one of the team’s most influential defenders would remain part of the project. The uncertainty surrounding Martinez’s future generated considerable discussion in recent weeks. His contract situation, combined with interest from abroad and speculation about a possible return to Spain, left supporters wondering whether the experienced center-back would continue in Riyadh. Martinez arrived at Al-Nassr last summer after leaving Barcelona and wasted little time establishing himself as a key figure in the squad. His experience at the highest level of European football helped him adapt quickly to Saudi Arabia and become one of the first names on the team sheet. Throughout the campaign, the Spaniard played a crucial role in a defense that provided the foundation for the club’s title-winning season. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, started 42 matches, and accumulated an impressive 3,717 minutes of playing time. Inigo Martinez of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy His contribution extended beyond defending. Martinez also scored goals at important moments and delivered the kind of leadership that helped stabilize the team during crucial stretches of the season. Martinez’s future finally resolved For months, reports indicated that Al-Nassr was eager to activate the extension option included in Martinez’s original contract. The clause would allow the club to keep him for another season if certain conditions were met. Those conditions were comfortably achieved, as Martinez featured in well over the required percentage of matches. Discussions then shifted toward whether the player himself wanted to continue his adventure in the Saudi Pro League. The answer has now emerged. Martinez has confirmed that he will remain at Al-Nassr for another season, extending his stay until the summer of 2027. The decision brings stability to the club’s defensive plans at a time when several other positions could experience change. Inigo Martinez of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring What did Inigo Martinez say about his future? The veteran defender admitted in a recent interview that the move to Saudi Arabia initially came with uncertainty. Relocating to a new country and culture presented challenges for both him and his family. “I signed a one-year contract with an option to extend for a second year, depending on my situation and my family’s situation, because we were moving to a completely different country.” The Spaniard explained that the adjustment period was not always easy. However, as the season progressed, his perspective gradually changed. “I was concerned about how we would adapt, and it was difficult at first. But in the end, after seeing how the year went, we decided to stay for another year.”
Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has shared an extensive assessment of the current Barça project, backing Hansi Flick’s work, naming the players he believes should lead the dressing room an...
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are moving to secure elite defensive anchor Iñigo Martinez through 2027. Cristiano Ronaldo officially shattered his silverware drought with Al Nassr this season, leading the Riyadh-based giants to a Saudi Pro League championship. With the domestic crown secured, club hierarchy is already executing its blueprint to fortify the squad for a title defense, prioritizing a contract extension for Spanish central defender Iñigo Martinez. According to a report from Saudi media outlet Okaz, the Al Nassr board is working to trigger an option in Martinez’s contract. Activating the clause will extend the defender’s stay at the club through the summer of 2027. The former Barcelona center-back arrived at the start of the season on a free transfer and became a starter in Al Nassr’s backline. The Spaniard made 43 appearances across all competitions over the course of the campaign, scoring four goals and receiving eight yellow cards. Martinez’s defensive importance to the squad is heavily underscored by his immense workload; out of his 43 appearances, he featured in the starting lineup 42 times, logging a staggering 3,717 minutes of competitive action on the pitch. Inigo Martinez of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images) Ronaldo faces potential roster changes While club officials are moving quickly to lockdown Martinez’s long-term future, Cristiano Ronaldo could simultaneously see some teammates depart the club ahead of the new campaign. The Portuguese forward might have to navigate the upcoming SPL season without midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. According to reporting from former Al Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie, discussions between the club and Brozovic have reached a difficult stage, and the Croatian international could leave Riyadh this summer. Another player potentially heading toward the exit is goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi. Saudi insider Khalid Al-Rashid reports that the shot-stopper wants more playing time and will seek a transfer if the club cannot fulfill his request. After starting the season as the choice goalkeeper, Al-Aqidi lost his spot to Bento. This left Al-Aqidi with just 12 appearances on the season, compared to the 34 matches played by the Brazilian goalkeeper. During his time on the pitch, the Saudi keeper conceded 12 goals and registered three clean sheets. Meanwhile, Bento conceded 24 goals over his 34 appearances and kept 19 clean sheets.
Cristiano Ronaldo is already facing problems ahead of potential squad boosts as Al Nassr are reportedly force to pay $7M for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after the triumph in the SPL. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the central figures in Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, ending a drought that stretched back to his arrival at the club in 2022. However, the celebration has come with an unexpected financial sting, as Al Nassr are reportedly obligated to pay approximately $7 million in bonus fees related to the signings of Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix. Alongside Iñigo Martinez, Felix and Coman were the most high-profile arrivals of the 2025 summer window, part of a significant investment Al Nassr made to reshape the squad around Ronaldo. Both have more than justified the outlay, with Felix claiming the SPL Player of the Season award, but the title success has now triggered contractual clauses that will add to the club’s expenditure. According to Al Arriyadiyah, Al Nassr will be paying Chelsea and Bayern Munich a combined figure of approximately €6 million (around $7 million) as a result of those clauses. Both deals included a title bonus that would be activated if Al Nassr won the Saudi Pro League, and last Thursday’s triumph set that obligation in motion. Updated fees for Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman In Felix’s case, Chelsea agreed to a base transfer fee of €30 million with up to €20 million in potential add-ons, a structure similar in concept to the €52 million Atletico Madrid had originally paid for the Portuguese. The SPL title has triggered a €5 million add-on, bringing the total Al Nassr has paid to Chelsea so far to €35 million. Cristiano Ronaldo of AlNassr celebrates with teammates Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman after scoring. Coman‘s situation is slightly different. The French winger had been under contract with Bayern Munich until 2027 but was seeking a more prominent role, and Al Nassr agreed to a €30 million fee to secure his services. With the title now confirmed, Bayern will receive an additional bonus of approximately €856,000, bringing the effective total to just under €31 million. According to the Saudi outlet, the same SPL title clause in Felix’s deal would be activated again should Al Nassr win the league while he remains at the club, with his contract running through June 2027. For Coman, whose deal extends through 2028, the clause could theoretically be triggered twice more. Joao Felix and Kingsley Coman’s first season at Al Nassr While Ronaldo finished as Al Nassr’s top scorer for the season with 30 goals, Felix and Coman quickly established themselves as the next most productive attacking players in the squad. Felix ended the campaign with 26 goals, while Coman, operating primarily from wide positions rather than a central role, still managed an impressive 16. Felix’s case stands out most strikingly when assists are factored in. His 19 assists led the entire team, and his 45 direct goal contributions overall made him the most productive player at the club across the season even over Ronaldo (30 goals and 5 assists). His availability speaks to that level of contribution as well, with Felix appearing in 47 of Al Nassr’s 49 games, missing just two.
Among the biggest talking points are teammates Inigo Martinez and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, whose situations have become increasingly important as the club prepares for another demanding season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic Saudi Pro League triumph with Al-Nassr may have ended years of frustration, but attention in Riyadh has already shifted toward the futures of several important figures inside the squad. Among the biggest talking points are teammates Inigo Martinez and Abdulrahman Ghareeb, whose situations have become increasingly important as the club prepares for another demanding season. Ronaldo finally lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy after scoring twice in a decisive 4-1 victory over Damac on the final day of the season. The win secured Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019 and gave the Portuguese superstar the domestic crown he was originally signed to deliver. The title-winning campaign brought relief and celebration across Al-Nassr after years of near misses, yet uncertainty still surrounds parts of the squad despite the success. With contracts approaching critical deadlines and transfer interest growing, the club now faces key decisions that could shape the next stage of Ronaldo’s journey in Saudi Arabia. What does the future hold for Inigo Martinez? While Ronaldo grabbed most of the headlines, many inside Saudi soccer believe defender Inigo Martinez quietly became one of the most influential figures in the squad throughout the season. The experienced Spaniard played a major role in stabilizing Al-Nassr defensively during the title race. Martinez featured in 43 matches across all competitions, scoring four goals while logging more than 3,700 minutes. His leadership and consistency quickly made him one of the first names on the team sheet. Inigo Martinez of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring Reports from Arriyadiyah now suggest that the Spaniard has already informed Al-Nassr management of his desire to remain at the club for another season. According to those reports, the defender plans to activate the extension clause included in his current agreement before the end of June. The clause reportedly allows for an automatic one-year extension if the player meets the required participation percentage and personally approves the continuation. Formal procedures are expected to be completed in the coming days. That development represents a major boost for Al-Nassr, especially after Martinez established himself as one of the defensive leaders of the squad. Several supporters even described his arrival as a turning point in the club’s title-winning campaign. What does the future hold for Abdulrahman Ghareeb? While Martinez appears increasingly likely to stay, Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s future seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The Saudi winger is approaching the end of his contract on June 30, and negotiations over a renewal have become complicated. According to reports from Al-Bilad newspaper, Al-Ittihad is now close to reaching an agreement with Ghareeb on a three-year contract. The move could reportedly be finalized within days if negotiations continue progressing smoothly. Abdulrahman Ghareeb of Al Nassr celebrates after scoring against Damac. Previous reports from Saudi journalist Saad Al-Subaie indicated that Ghareeb was seeking an annual salary worth around 15 million riyals ($4 million) in order to either remain at Al-Nassr or join another club. That financial demand appears to have complicated discussions with the Riyadh side. Losing Ghareeb would represent a notable change for the squad, especially considering his role as one of the recognizable Saudi players inside the team. At the same time, Al-Nassr’s management continues balancing financial strategy with the desire to maintain a championship-caliber roster around Ronaldo.
Despite the coach's decision, Cristiano Ronaldo could witness a U-turn on Jorge Jesus' departure as Al Nassr president is pushing for the 71-year-old boss to stay next season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s post-championship celebrations suffered an immediate setback following Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, as manager Jorge Jesus abruptly announced his departure from the club. However, the 41-year-old superstar may yet see a dramatic U-turn, with Al Nassr’s president publicly revealing that the front office is launching a massive push to retain the veteran tactician. Following Thursday’s title-clinching victory over Damac FC, Jorge Jesus shocked reporters by using his post-match press conference to announce he was stepping down, stating he had fulfilled the exact promise that led him to accept the vacancy in the first place. With his current deal expiring in June 2026, the manager remained tight-lipped regarding his next destination, noting only that he was headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a well-deserved vacation. Yet, the separation might not be a done deal just yet. In a statement compiled by Saudi outlet Al-Wyam, Al Nassr club president Abdullah Al-Majed made the board’s aggressive stance abundantly clear: “At the current moment, there are ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay, and we will convince him, God willing.“ Alongside high-profile arrivals like Iñigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, Jorge Jesus masterminded one of the most dominant campaigns in Al Nassr history. The 71-year-old manager orchestrated the best start to a season in SPL history with 11 consecutive wins, while also shattering the club record with a 20-match win streak across all competitions (16 in league play, four in the AFC Champions League Two). Coach Jorge Jesus and Al Nassr players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans. Having already experienced immense success with arch-rivals Al Hilal, Jesus was personally targeted for the job by Ronaldo, eventually guiding the club to the finals of both the Saudi Super Cup and the Champions League Two. Over his 49-game tenure, he accumulated an outstanding 40-2-7 record, averaging a staggering 2.49 points per match. Al-Majed also established clear timelines and expectations for Al Nassr’s upcoming 2026-27 campaign. “Work on the next season will begin immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday (in June), focusing on preparing the squad and securing upcoming transfers… the work ahead will be very substantial,” the club president concluded. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly pressuring management to finalize renewal By declaring his mission accomplished at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus immediately sparked rumors linking him to high-profile roles at Fenerbahce, a return to Brazilian club soccer, or potentially taking over the Portugal national team after the World Cup. With the manager’s future hanging in the balance, Ronaldo is reportedly eager to flex his immense institutional leverage to force a change of heart. According to 365 Scores Arabic, Ronaldo is heavily pressuring Al Nassr’s executive board to iron out the details and lock Jesus down to a one-year contract extension. The timing of the contract is critical; Ronaldo is currently tied to the club through June 2027, meaning Jesus would have the opportunity to manage the iconic forward through what could realistically be the final season of his legendary professional career. As it stands, Jesus holds all the leverage in negotiations and will likely demand significant backing from the hierarchy to reconsider his exit. Reports suggest the manager’s list of demands includes a substantial salary increase paired with a guarantee of six major summer signings, a clear effort to avoid the squad depth issues that plagued the club during the 2026 winter window, when a lack of transfer activity reportedly prompted a frustrated Ronaldo to go on a brief two-game strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix finally brought the Saudi Pro League title back to Al-Nassr after years of frustration, but one surprising statistic from the campaign quietly highlighted how influential the younger Portuguese forward became during the club’s championship run. While Ronaldo delivered decisive goals and leadership throughout the season, Felix ended the year with […] Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix finally brought the Saudi Pro League title back to Al-Nassr after years of frustration, but one surprising statistic from the campaign quietly highlighted how influential the younger Portuguese forward became during the club’s championship run. While Ronaldo delivered decisive goals and leadership throughout the season, Felix ended the year with a key achievement that placed him ahead of his legendary teammate in one important category. The Riyadh club sealed the title on the final day of the season with a dominant 4-1 victory over Damac, as Ronaldo scored twice to secure the championship ahead of Al Hilal. The triumph ended Al-Nassr’s seven-year wait for the Saudi Pro League crown and handed Ronaldo his first league title since arriving in the Middle East in 2023. For Cristiano Ronaldo, the moment carried enormous significance after several painful near-misses in previous seasons. Since leaving Europe for Saudi Arabia, the Portuguese icon had experienced squad rebuilds, coaching changes, and heartbreaking defeats despite producing extraordinary individual numbers. His influence on Saudi soccer has been undeniable ever since his arrival opened the door for several global stars to join the league. Yet despite winning individual honors and finishing as top scorer in previous campaigns, the league title had remained elusive until now. Under Jorge Jesus, however, Al-Nassr finally found the balance it had been missing. The Portuguese coach brought stability to the dressing room, improved the defensive structure, and built a more varied attack that no longer depended entirely on the 41-year-old ace. Joao Felix becomes a decisive figure Much of that attacking transformation came from the arrival of Joao Felix. The Portuguese forward quickly formed a strong understanding with Ronaldo and became one of the standout performers of the season. «من الصعب الفوز بالدوري مع النصر في السعودية، والناس تعرف السبب.» ⚠️ جواو فيليكس، لاعب النصر، مع مراسل «ثمانية» خالد العرافة @kh1900 🎙️ #النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/IgoYNfNStE— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Felix finished the campaign with 20 league goals and 13 assists, while producing 44 goal contributions across all competitions in just 47 appearances. He scored in every major tournament Al-Nassr participated in, including the Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, Saudi Super Cup, and AFC Champions League. Alongside Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Kingsley Coman, Felix gave Al-Nassr multiple attacking options that opponents struggled to contain. His creativity between the lines and ability to decide matches in crucial moments proved vital during the title race. 🇵🇹 Joao Felix wins the #RoshnSaudiLeague Player of the Month award for May, presented by @Roshnksa 🤝 pic.twitter.com/bLH8kVc5fL— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2026 The hidden mark Felix surpassed As the season came to a close, another statistic emerged that underlined Felix’s growing importance within the squad. The Portuguese attacker ended the Saudi Pro League campaign with nine Man of the Match awards, narrowly ahead of Ronaldo’s total of eight. The award distribution showcased how consistently influential Felix had been throughout the year. Sadio Mane finished third among Al-Nassr players with five awards, while Kingsley Coman earned two. According to reports tracking official Saudi Pro League matchday recognitions, the full distribution among Al-Nassr players was: RankPlayerGoals1.Joao Felix92.Cristiano Ronaldo83.Sadio Mane54.Kingsley Coman25.Inigo Martinez, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Ange
Jorge Jesus will no longer coach Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr following the Saudi Pro League title. Al Nassr ended a seven-year title drought by winning the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League under the leadership of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the celebrations were tempered by the announcement that head coach Jorge Jesus will leave the club. “For me, it’s over. It’s the last game I worked for Al-Nassr,” Jesus said moments after Thursday’s match against Damac during an interview with Canal GOAT. “I’m leaving, that’s the point. It’s over.” The comments confirm speculation that had circulated in recent weeks regarding the 71-year-old coach, who reportedly wants to pursue a different path in his career, with the Portugal national team viewed as a possible destination. Jorge Jesus also addressed his immediate plans after leaving Saudi Arabia, though he limited his comments to discussing his upcoming travels. “I’m going to Portugal, I’m going to spend two or four days on vacation in Portugal. Then I’m thinking of going to Brazil, I’m thinking of going to Rio,” he said, before clarifying: “Not to train. I’m only going to Brazil for vacation.” JORGE JESUS NÃO FICA NO AL NASSR! ELE VEM PARA O BRASIL! ✈️🇧🇷Em entrevista ao @vinisiupe, Jorge Jesus disse que foi seu último jogo pelo Al Nassr e que vem ao Brasil tirar férias!#CanalGOAT #SauditaNoGOAT #JorgeJesus pic.twitter.com/HWcOcz4hBF— Canal GOAT (@CanalGOATBR) May 21, 2026 Jorge Jesus reflects on Al Nassr’s title Al Nassr prepared last summer with the goal of reaching this moment of celebration. To do so, the club invested in several high-profile signings from Europe, including Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Inigo Martinez. Alongside them arrived Jorge Jesus, who already had experience in the Saudi Pro League after previously coaching Al Hilal. “When I accepted this challenge, I knew it was difficult because on the other side was Al-Hilal, which I practically helped build into a great team. And to beat Al-Hilal we had to be much better. And we were, because we formed a very united group,” the coach reflected during the same interview with Canal GOAT. Jorge Jesus reveals conversation with Ronaldo upon joining Al Nassr When he joined Al Nassr, Jesus had an important conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo. “I only accepted this challenge because I told him: ‘I’m going to help you become champion, we’re going to win the title,” the coach recalled. “This is a victory for everyone, and especially for Cris, who hadn’t yet won any titles in Saudi Arabia,” Jorge Jesus added before reflecting on Ronaldo’s impact at the club. “Cris has made Al-Nassr have a very large dimension not only in Saudi Arabia, but outside of Saudi Arabia as well.”
Alessandro Bastoni appeared to be Barcelona’s ideal defensive signing. However, the Italian now seems to be moving away from Los Blaugranas, as Inter Milan are reportedly unwilling to sell him. Alongside this, head coach Hansi Flick is supposedly unconvinced about the potential transfer. Despite Barcelona being crowned 2025-26 LaLiga champions, they have still suffered from major defensive issues. In search of greater solidity for next season, Alessandro Bastoni had emerged as the ideal solution to their problems. However, the Italian defender now appears to be moving away from Los Blaugranas, as Inter Milan are unwilling to sanction his sale. Alongside this, Hansi Flick supposedly has doubts about how well he would fit into the team. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, negotiations between Los Blaugranas and the Nerazzurri have cooled significantly in recent weeks due to a major gap in valuation. The Italian side reportedly values his departure at around €60 million (around $70 million), while the Spanish side are aiming for a deal well below that figure. In addition, Bastoni now appears close to renewing his contract, seemingly reconsidering the possibility of leaving the club. Coupled with his high transfer price, head coach Hansi Flick is reportedly not fully convinced that Bastoni is the ideal solution for Barcelona’s defense. The German manager appears to have growing doubts about whether the Italian defender truly fits the team stylistically, as the technical characteristics that have allowed him to thrive at Inter Milan differ considerably from those required at Barcelona, according to Matteo Moretto, via X, formerly Twitter. Alessandro Bastoni became one of the best defenders in the world while thriving in a three-man defensive system. Because of this structure, he usually benefits from greater support in defensive coverages and when dealing with individual mistakes. For that reason, he could struggle adapting to a two-center-back system, as he could have fewer defensive supports and could be left exposed by Barcelona’s aggressive high press. Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan warms up prior to the UEFA Champions League. Gerard Martin and Álvaro Cortes may become key for Barcelona plans Throughout the season, Barcelona have been forced to make adjustments in their defensive line, as the departure of Iñigo Martínez left the team without a natural left-sided center back. In response, head coach Hansi Flick made a risky decision by trusting Gerard Martín in a defensive role. As a result, the team gained far more consistency and improved ball progression, with the youngster becoming a starter alongside Pau Cubarsí while also offering the versatility. After proving his differential talent, Gerard Martín now appears set to become the team’s starting left-sided defender alongside Pau Cubarsí, who could rotate with Eric García or Jules Koundé. As a homegrown player, the 23-year-old star would represent an ideal solution for the club, which could now consider allowing Ronald Araújo and Andreas Christensen to leave. Alongside Gerard, Álvaro Cortés could also emerge as a backup solution after impressing during his debut against Deportivo Alavés. In addition, Hansi Flick has reportedly decided to include him in Barcelona’s 2026-27 preseason, where he will fight for a permanent place in the first team, according to Mundo Deportivo. With this in mind, Los Blaugranas may once again find the solution to their defensive problems within La Masia.
Following their victory over Al Shabab, Al Nassr are on the verge of clinching the Saudi Pro League title, needing a win today against Al Hilal to secure it. With this in mind, both teams are fielding their strongest lineups, as the season could come down to this one game. Al Nassr and Al Hilal face each other in one of the most competitive matches of the season, as today’s game could determine the winner of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League. Although Jorge Jesus’ team remain at the top of the table, they have lost four matches this season. This is far from the case for Simone Inzaghi’s team, as they remain unbeaten throughout the campaign, complicating Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of being crowned league champion. Al Hilal have managed to become the most consistent team in the league, remaining the only unbeaten side. Under head coach Simone Inzaghi, they have maintained one of the league’s best defenses, supported by a strong midfield. In addition, Karim Benzema and Sergej Milinković-Savić lead the attack, with support from Malcom and Theo Hernández on the wings, giving them hope of securing a victory. Head coach Jorge Jesus has transformed Al Nassr’s reality, turning them into the best offensive team in the Saudi Pro League. Not only is Cristiano Ronaldo shining from a scoring standpoint, but João Félix and Sadio Mané are as well, giving the team versatility and changes of pace. Despite this, they face a clear challenge: Maintaining defensive consistency, something they have rarely achieved this season despite the strong performances of Iñigo Martínez. In case Cristiano Ronaldo’s team manage to defeat Al Hilal, they could be crowned Saudi Pro League champions, ending a seven-year drought. That’s why both teams are playing for the most important part of the season, as Karim Benzema’s side would need a victory today and to maintain their unbeaten run in the remaining matches to take the title away from Al Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Al Hilal Despite entering today’s match as favorites, Al Nassr will face Al Hilal with five key absences: Ângelo, Nawaf Al-Aqeedi, Raghid Alaa Najjar, Sami Al-Najei, and Mubarak Buainain. Nevertheless, head coach Jorge Jesus has recovered Kingsley Coman, allowing him to partner Sadio Mané on the wings. From a scoring standpoint, Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix are expected to be key once again, just as they have been throughout the season. Considering this, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ali Alhassan, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane; Joao Felix, Cristiano Ronaldo. Al Hilal confirmed lineup vs Al Nassr Al Hilal are looking to surprise Al Nassr by defeating them with their impressive defensive and offensive consistency. Although head coach Simone Inzaghi will be without Hamad Al Yami and Kalidou Koulibaly, he still has Karim Benzema, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Theo Hernández, and Rúben Neves available. With them in the roster, they are aiming for a victory that would once again establish them as favorites to win the Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, Al Hilal will play as follows: Yassine Bounou; Hassan Altambakti, Moteb Al-Harbi, Ruben Neves, Theo Hernández; Mohamed Kanno, Nasser Aldawsari; Malcom, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Salem Al Dawsari; Karim Benzema.
Al Nassr have established as the clear favorites to become champions of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League, needing a victory over Al Hilal. Nevertheless, head coach Jorge Jesus will be without Ângelo, dealing a significant blow to the team’s consistency. Throughout the 2025–26 season, Al Nassr have surprised many with their offensive performances, establishing themselves as the favorites to win the Saudi Pro League. Nevertheless, they need to defeat Al Hilal, relying on the scoring power of Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix. Despite this, head coach Jorge Jesus faces the difficult absence of Ângelo in the starting lineup, leaving the creative midfield exposed in a match that could define the entire season. Ângelo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after being substituted against Al Qadsiah, according to Ariyadhiah. Because of this, head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed his absence for Al Nassr’s clash against Al Hilal, raising doubts over whether he will be able to participate in the final two matches of the season. Whether as a midfielder or a winger, the Brazilian star is a key player for the team, making his absence a very significant blow. In place of the young Brazilian, head coach Jorge Jesus could once again rely on Abdullah Alkhaibari in midfield and Sadio Mané on the left wing. Although Al Nassr have managed to maintain their strong form without Ângelo, they have still lost a key creative and structural piece, as he provides significant stability with his versatile box-to-box profile for the team. Without Ângelo in the starting lineup, Al Nassr are placing all their hopes on the Marcelo Brozović–Abdullah Alkhaibari midfield pairing. However, this duo has proven to be significantly less consistent than when the Brazilian star is on the pitch, meaning the team’s defensive stability could be affected. Nevertheless, Iñigo Martínez could once again play a key role in balancing the side, acting as the leader of the defensive structure to counter Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. Ângelo becomes a transformative figure at Al Nassr Under head coach Jorge Jesus, Ângelo has reached to transform into one of the most complete players in Al Nassr’s roster. Not only he can shine as winger, but he can also shine as midfielder, having a huge defensive impact. With his versatility and impressive talent, the 21-year-old star is one of the most important players of the team, having huge playing time and cemeting as a conerstone of the team’s future. Having a contract until 2029, Al Nassr may need to improve soon his deal, avoiding his departure to Europe as some teams have already asked for his transfer. Not only a improved salary, but also a competitive project may be needed to convince Ângelo, as he would still have some time to play in top European leagues, but arriving as a consolidated star rather than a young talent. Al Nassr aim to end a seven-year drought in the Saudi Pro League With Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, Al Nassr became one of the most media-driven clubs in the Middle East, leading to the arrival of several world-class players to strengthen the squad. After several years of sporting disappointment, Jorge Jesus managed to restore the team’s competitiveness, with them standing out offensively. They could even end a seven-year drought in the Saudi Pro League by defeating Al Hilal, despite the absence of Ângelo. In the event of securing a victory today against Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal, Al Nassr could be crowned league champions, giving Cristiano Ronaldo his first official title with the club. Having last won a championship in 2019, Jorge Jesus would end a long trophy drought, cementing himself as a legendary figure at the club, especially as he could also go on to win the AFC Champions League Two in the coming days.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a piece of bad news as coach Jorge Jesus has now put his future in Al Nassr for next season up in the air. Cristiano Ronaldo has watched Al Nassr transform into one of the most dominant forces in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Asian continent since Jorge Jesus took over as head coach. However, the 70-year-old Portuguese manager has now cast serious doubt over whether he will be at the club beyond the current season. When Stefano Pioli departed last summer, Ronaldo used his influence following his contract renewal in June 2025 to help reshape the club’s direction, and one of the most consequential decisions was the choice of the next head coach. As Jesus himself has revealed, Ronaldo called him personally to take the job at Al Nassr after his stint at Al Hilal, an offer the coach accepted on a one-year deal. That short-term arrangement is now at the center of the uncertainty. At Monday’s press conference ahead of the pivotal clash against Al Hilal that could decide the Saudi Pro League title, Jesus was asked directly about the possibility of renewing his contract. “As I have always done with my previous teams, I sign one-year contracts,” he said. The Portuguese manager then revealed that other clubs have been in contact, leaving the door firmly open for a departure. “Fortunately, I have offers from many clubs. It is possible that I may not renew my contract with Al Nassr, and it is also possible that the club may not want me next season. I will evaluate everything at the end of the season,” he added. Jorge Jesus, Manager of Al-Nassr, interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. The partnership between Ronaldo and Jesus has been a productive one for both parties, with the manager giving the forward carefully managed rest periods to ensure he arrives at the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. Jesus also set a new record for the longest winning streak in Al Nassr’s history, both in the Saudi Pro League at 16 games and across all competitions at 20. With Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman and Iñigo Martinez among the standout signings of the summer, Jesus is now on the brink of ending Al Nassr’s long wait for silverware, with both the SPL title and the AFC Champions League Two within reach. For Ronaldo, whose contract runs through June 2027, an eventual Jesus departure would mean yet another managerial transition during what could prove to be the final year of his professional career. Jesus focused on winning the SPL From the outset of the campaign, with Al Nassr absent from the AFC Champions League Elite, the Saudi Pro League became the primary domestic focus. The team made the best-ever start in the club’s league history, winning each of the first 11 games, before three consecutive defeats temporarily knocked them off the top of the table. After sliding to third place in late January, Al Nassr clawed their way back to the summit in late February and have not relinquished it since. “Our mindset since the beginning of the league has been to win only. Two matches remain, and our focus is on winning both of them,” Jesus said, with Al Hilal and Damac FC standing between Ronaldo and company and the title.
Alessandro Bastoni has been the priority to strengthen Barcelona’s defense following the departure of Íñigo Martínez. However, Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has described the Blaugrana’s interest as “superficial and not very concrete,” casting doubt on his potential departure. Throughout the 2025-26 season, Alessandro Bastoni has been labeled the absolute priority to reinforce Barcelona’s defensive line. Following his defensive mistakes with Italy in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the defender is reportedly looking to leave Serie A. In response, Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has described Barcelona’s interest as superficial and not very concrete, casting doubt on his potential departure. “Bastoni is a talented player. He’s had some bad luck in certain situations and everyone has eyes on him… He’s a great champion and that’s why top European clubs are on him. I won’t hide the fact that there’s Barcelona but it’s still very superficial and not very concrete. As we’ve always said: a player leaves when he expresses the desire to leave. Right now, Bastoni is ours, he wants to stay with us and we are happy to keep him,” Marotta said, via Radio Anch’Io Sport. Despite his recent defensive mistakes, Bastoni remains one of the best left-sided defenders in the world, providing consistency and playing a key role in build-up play. In addition, the Italian is already one of the leaders in the Inter Milan dressing room, having been an undisputed starter for more than four years. Because of this, the Nerazzurri are reportedly demanding a transfer fee of around €70 million (around $81.8 million), making his departure more complicated. In an effort to raise the quality of their defensive line, the Blaugranas are open to offering a transfer fee close to €50 million (around $58.4 million), which appears to be delaying negotiations with Inter Milan. Because of this, president Marotta’s comments highlight a clear issue: The significant difference in valuation is preventing Alessandro Bastoni’s departure. If Barcelona want to secure the Italian, they will have to increase their bid. Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League. Report: Barcelona eye two alternatives as Bastoni deal stalls Even though Gerard Martín has surprised with his impact as a central defender, Barcelona are targeting Alessandro Bastoni as a key difference-maker, aiming to bring defensive balance. Faced with ongoing difficulties with Inter Milan, they have reportedly decided to prepare alternatives, as Hansi Flick needs a left-footed defender. In this context, Evan Ndicka and Cristian Romero have emerged as alternatives to the Italian ahead of the summer of 2026. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blaugrana have added Evan Ndicka of AS Roma to their transfer shortlist. Standing out in Serie A, the French defender would be a much more affordable option, with an estimated value of around €40 million, which they would aim to reduce further. In addition, he has proven to be one of the most consistent players in the squad, playing a key role even in build-up play and the team’s ball progression. Along with Ndicka, Barcelona are reportedly targeting Cristian Romero. Despite being the captain of Tottenham Hotspur, he is looking to leave the team in search of a competitive project. In the event of a relegation to the EFL Championship, they could seek a transfer fee of around €50-60 million or less, as he is a proven leader, and reliable, reports Diario Sport. However, Alessandro Bastoni remains the priority, so they will try to secure his signing until the very last moment.
With momentum building and expectations rising, the possible absence of such a key figure could quietly reshape the balance in a match that carries major implications. The spotlight will once again fall on Cristiano Ronaldo as Al-Nassr prepares for a defining clash, but the presence of Inigo Martinez remains uncertain ahead of the encounter. With momentum building and expectations rising, the possible absence of such a key figure could quietly reshape the balance in a match that carries major implications. The fixture arrives at a critical moment in the season, with Al-Nassr sitting top of the Saudi Pro League and pushing toward a long-awaited title push. Al-Ahli, meanwhile, remains firmly in the top three and is determined to disrupt that momentum. The encounter is widely viewed as a potential turning point in the championship race, especially with both sides separated by a tight margin in form and belief. There is also a psychological edge at play, as Al-Ahli defeated Al-Nassr 3-2 earlier in the campaign. That result still lingers in the background, adding extra intensity to a rivalry that has become increasingly competitive over recent seasons. Jorge Jesus and his players enter the match on a remarkable run of 19 consecutive wins across all competitions, showcasing a level of consistency that has defined their season. At home, the team has been particularly dominant, collecting 13 wins from 14 league matches while maintaining one of the strongest attacking records in the league. Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans. With 79 goals scored and just 21 conceded, Al-Nassr’s balance between attack and defence has been a key factor in their title push. Ronaldo continues to lead the attacking line alongside Joao Felix, forming one of the most productive forward partnerships in the competition. Martinez’s situation takes a sudden turn Amid the anticipation, attention has turned to the defensive setup. The defender was initially included in discussions for the matchday squad, but his involvement is now in serious doubt. According to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus is expected to make a final decision after a medical evaluation, with Angelo Gabriel emerging as a possible replacement in the foreign player quota. Martinez has been dealing with minor muscle discomfort, limiting his participation in training and forcing the coaching staff to reconsider their options. Inigo Martinez of Al-Nassr controls the ball Arriyadiyah has added that it’s likely that the Spaniard won’t play against Al-Ahli. Though the choice has not yet been made, Jorge Jesus is leaning toward choosing Brazilian Angelo over the veteran. The report also indicated that the Portuguese manager wants full flexibility in his foreign player selection, leading to further uncertainty over Martinez’s availability. Tactical impact on Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr The potential absence of Martinez forces Al-Nassr to rethink its defensive structure against a strong Al-Ahli attack. With Ronaldo expected to lead the line, the team’s balance between attacking intensity and defensive stability becomes even more important. Without the 34-year-old, Al-Nassr may rely more heavily on its midfield protection and full-back discipline to contain Al-Ahli’s quick transitions. The change could subtly shift the team’s shape, especially in a match where small margins are expected to decide the outcome.
