Goal efficiency
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Al-Nassr · Arab Club Champions Cup · Attacker · #7 · Portugal · 41 yrs
Cristiano Ronaldo plays as an attacker for Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese international, 41 years old, attacker, currently at Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo wears shirt number 7 for Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Portugal on 1985-02-05. Cristiano Ronaldo is 187 cm tall and weighs 83 kg. Cristiano Ronaldo's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Arab Club Champions Cup, Confederations Cup, Euro Championship, Euro Championship - Qualification, and other leagues. Cristiano Ronaldo's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Cristiano Ronaldo season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-08-31 | € 20M |  Juventus JUV |  Manchester United MUN |
| 2018-07-10 | € 100M |  Real Madrid REA | Juventus JUV |
| 2009-07-01 | € 94M | Manchester United MUN | Real Madrid REA |
Season intelligence
Profile as Attacker: finisher, high usage. Archetype: Clinical forward. Season rating 7.5.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Isolation threat and progressive carrying — volume plus success rate.
How often they draw fouls and stay out of trouble with cards.
Tackles, duels, and off-ball defensive contribution.
Shot-stopping, goals conceded, and penalty saves.
Minutes, availability, and how central they were to the team.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
Cristiano Ronaldo plays as an attacker for Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese international, 41 years old, attacker, currently at Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo wears shirt number 7 for Al-Nassr. Cristiano Ronaldo was born in Funchal, Portugal on 1985-02-05. Cristiano Ronaldo is 187 cm tall and weighs 83 kg. Cristiano Ronaldo's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Arab Club Champions Cup, Confederations Cup, Euro Championship, Euro Championship - Qualification, and other leagues. Cristiano Ronaldo's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Cristiano Ronaldo season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-08-31 | € 20M | Juventus JUV | Manchester United MUN |
| 2018-07-10 | € 100M | Real Madrid REA | Juventus JUV |
| 2009-07-01 | € 94M | Manchester United MUN | Real Madrid REA |
Season intelligence
Profile as Attacker: finisher, high usage. Archetype: Clinical forward. Season rating 7.5.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Isolation threat and progressive carrying — volume plus success rate.
How often they draw fouls and stay out of trouble with cards.
Tackles, duels, and off-ball defensive contribution.
Shot-stopping, goals conceded, and penalty saves.
Minutes, availability, and how central they were to the team.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. The draw has produced several intriguing matchups involving Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs and ambitious challengers. Al-Nassr will have home advantage, but the tie could still demand full concentration from Ange Postecoglou’s side. The draw, held at Thmanyah studios on Thursday, August 20, confirmed that Al-Nassr will face Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The match is scheduled to take place on October 19 or 20, although organizers have also announced November 30 and December 1 as alternative dates if the calendar requires adjustments. The Saudi Pro League champion booked its place in the last 16 with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah earlier this week. Joao Felix stole the spotlight in that match, scoring twice and adding an assist after Al-Nassr initially fell behind. The cameras kept rolling when the match wasn’t 🎥💛This is the story behind our King’s Cup qualification 🎧 pic.twitter.com/w33ipgReV5— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The opponent arrives with its own impressive cup story. Al-Kholood defeated First Division side Jeddah 5-0 in the Round of 32, with Spanish midfielder Iker Kortajarena scoring a first-half hat-trick to underline the club’s attacking threat. Al-Kholood brings recent King’s Cup pedigree Al-Kholood enjoyed a remarkable run in the previous edition of the competition. The club reached the King’s Cup final last season, even taking the lead against Al-Hilal before eventually losing 2-1. That campaign was particularly impressive because Al-Kholood was simultaneously fighting to preserve its top-flight status. Under Des Buckingham, the club managed to avoid relegation while establishing itself as a genuine threat in the cup, demonstrating that it can cause problems for more established opponents. 🗳 | The 2026-2027 King’s Cup draw is out!🆚 | Nassr to face AlKholood🏆 | Round of 16 – King’s Cup🏟 | In @VictoryArena_sa Best of luck to our Nassr 💛 pic.twitter.com/l5NheNuKcK— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The recent league meeting between the two sides should also give Al-Nassr reason for caution. The teams played out a 1-1 draw, meaning Postecoglou’s players will already know that Al-Kholood can frustrate them when the game becomes competitive and tightly contested. Postecoglou faces another test with Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr enters the tie as the obvious favorite given its squad quality and ambitions. Ronaldo remains the headline figure, while the Riyadh side can also call upon Joao Felix and a collection of international stars capable of deciding a knockout match. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is challenged by Nasser Al-Dawsari of Al Hilal. For Postecoglou, the King’s Cup represents another opportunity to build momentum during his first season in charge. The Australian coach will be expected to challenge for multiple trophies, making a favorable home draw something Al-Nassr will want to capitalize on. Still, knockout soccer can quickly punish complacency. Al-Kholood’s cup pedigree, recent 1-1 draw with Al-Nassr and emphatic 5-0 victory in the previous round mean the visitor has enough evidence to believe it can produce another surprise.
A sensational move to Inter Miami has been floated as a possible next chapter for the Frenchman, although the situation surrounding his future is far more complicated than the glamorous destination might suggest. Lionel Messi could soon find himself sharing a dressing room with Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid superstar who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and is now one of his biggest rivals in the Saudi Pro League. A sensational move to Inter Miami has been floated as a possible next chapter for the Frenchman, although the situation surrounding his future is far more complicated than the glamorous destination might suggest. Benzema’s situation has become one of the most intriguing stories of the Saudi transfer window. With his future at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, speculation has naturally turned toward where the 38-year-old could continue his career if he leaves the club. Reports from Diario AS and Sky Sports indicate that Benzema is negotiating a possible contract termination with Al-Hilal. The French striker is reportedly out of Simone Inzaghi’s plans, while the club has already identified Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins as a potential replacement. The situation became even more complicated after Benzema expressed his frustration at being substituted during Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly. Despite scoring in the match, the veteran forward was replaced in the second half, fueling further speculation about his relationship with the new manager. 🎥 BREAKING! Terjadi keributan antara Simone Inzaghi dan Benzema saat pertandingan Al-Hilal vs Al-Fasaily berlangsungBenzema yg ditarik keluar di menit 70 seperti terlihat tidak terima kalau dia harus digantikan ditengah pertandingan dam terlibat adu mulut dengan Inzaghi.… pic.twitter.com/jla1dkERK3— Dokter Gooners (@DokGooners) August 15, 2026 Inzaghi, however, attempted to calm the situation afterward. “We talked about that after the match. It’s normal that he wants to play every match, and I understand him because I was a striker too,” Inzaghi said, according to Saudi media reports. The Italian coach added that he has a respectful relationship with Benzema, describing him as “not only a great champion, but also a very great professional.” The financial problem blocking Benzema’s exit The biggest obstacle to Benzema leaving Al-Hilal is reportedly financial. The striker wants the full value of the final year of his contract, while Al-Hilal and the relevant Saudi soccer authorities are unwilling to simply pay the entire amount to terminate the agreement. Benzema’s contract structure makes matters even more complicated because part of his salary is reportedly covered through bodies connected to the Saudi Pro League. As a result, ending the deal could require approval from multiple parties rather than being a straightforward agreement between the player and the club. That issue has effectively put the next stage of the veteran striker’s career on hold. Al-Hilal wants to free up a foreign-player spot for a new striker, but it cannot fully move forward until Benzema’s contractual situation is resolved. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal during the AFC Champions League Elite. Could Messi and Benzema really unite in Miami? That uncertainty has opened the door to speculation about a stunning move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miami has been mentioned as a potential destination for Benzema, with the possibility of the Frenchman joining Messi, Luis Suarez and several other established stars creating an irresistible storyline, as per Saudi outlet Midan Al Yaum. The idea would reunite two of the most decorated forwards of their generation. Messi and Benzema spent years competing against each other in European soccer, particularly during Benzema’s Real Madrid career, but could now potentially become teammates in the United States.
With the Portuguese superstar working his way back to full fitness, the Australian coach faces a delicate call over how quickly to bring his captain back into the action. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to competitive action is becoming one of the biggest talking points around Al-Nassr as Ange Postecoglou weighs an important decision ahead of the Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh. With the Portuguese superstar working his way back to full fitness, the Australian coach faces a delicate call over how quickly to bring his captain back into the action. According to Arriyadiyah, Ronaldo continued his rehabilitation plan on Wednesday without joining Al-Nassr’s group training session. The 41-year-old is recovering from a pelvic muscle injury after experiencing pain during a team session last week, although he reportedly felt no discomfort during Wednesday’s work. Instead, the Portuguese superstar completed specific fitness exercises alongside his recovery program as he continues to follow the medical staff’s return-to-play plan. The club is expected to assess him again during Thursday’s training session before determining whether he can feature against Al-Riyadh this Friday. View this post on Instagram That assessment could ultimately determine whether Ronaldo makes his first competitive appearance of the new season. Medical and physical tests will play a major role in deciding how much involvement, if any, he is ready to handle. Postecoglou faces crucial call The latest information has added another layer of intrigue to Ronaldo’s situation. 365Scores Arabic reports that the current inclination is for Ronaldo to be rested against Al-Riyadh, although Postecoglou is discussing the possibility of giving his captain some minutes. “The current inclination is for Cristiano Ronaldo to be rested against Al-Riyadh. However, Postecoglou is consulting with Ronaldo about giving him some minutes, with the final decision expected to be made in the coming hours,” the report stated. That means the door remains open to a short cameo from the bench, even if the veteran is ultimately deemed unready to start. Postecoglou’s decision will depend on both the medical assessment and the player’s own response to the workload. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Carefully managed return Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr’s opening competitive fixtures of the campaign. He was absent for the 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fateh on August 15 before also sitting out the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. His absence from those matches came after a demanding summer that included the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, followed by his return to club soccer later than some of his teammates. Postecoglou has therefore taken a cautious approach as he attempts to manage the workload of one of the most important players in his squad. The Australian coach took over at Al-Nassr in July following Jorge Jesus’ departure and has already overseen a positive start to the league campaign. With the club defending its Saudi Pro League crown, Postecoglou will want Ronaldo available for the long haul rather than risk rushing him back for one early-season fixture.
The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Christian Pulisic and his Milan teammates have suddenly found themselves linked to a remarkable financial story after Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders followed Cristiano Ronaldo into the Saudi Pro League. The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Reijnders has completed his move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah, with the Saudi club agreeing to pay $71 million for the Netherlands international. The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will now work under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers alongside Italy striker Mateo Retegui. Al-Qadsiah announced the signing with a video introducing their new midfielder as “A Dutch artist who will paint his masterpieces on our pitches.” Reijnders also offered his own memorable message after arriving, saying: “I’m a Dutch artist; I’m a Qadsiah man.” The transfer brings an unexpectedly quick end to Reijnders’ time at Manchester City. The midfielder joined from Milan in 2025 and made around 50 appearances in his only season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists across competitions. Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al Qadsiah on a permanent deal, subject to international clearance.All the best, @T_Reijnders 🩵 pic.twitter.com/A11q2S0Vce— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 19, 2026 The clause that changes everything for Milan While Manchester City will receive a substantial fee from Al-Qadsiah, the transfer has an even more interesting consequence for the Rossoneri. A clause inserted into Reijnders’ original move to England means Milan is entitled to the full value of his performance-related bonuses if City sells him within the first year. Milan had sold Reijnders to City for an initial fee of around $64 million, with another $16 million available through bonuses. Those incentives were originally connected to achievements such as appearances, team success and individual accolades, but the special resale provision means the Italian club can collect the entire bonus package following his immediate departure. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Tijjani Reijnders That takes City’s total payment to Milan to almost $82 million, despite Reijnders failing to trigger all of those performance-based targets during his season in England. It represents an extraordinary piece of business for Milan, which originally signed the midfielder from AZ Alkmaar for roughly $15 million in 2023. Milan turn Reijnders into $65m profit The numbers make the financial impact particularly striking. The Red and Blacks’ overall profit from Reijnders’ sale now rises to approximately $65 million, highlighting how effectively the club managed the midfielder’s transfer despite losing him after only two seasons at San Siro. The Dutchman had become one of Milan’s most important players after joining from AZ. His ability to carry the ball, progress possession and contribute in the final third made him one of Serie A‘s most sought-after midfielders, eventually convincing City to make a major investment in him. His move to the Saudi Pro League means Christian Pulisic’s squad has effectively turned that investment into a huge financial return. The Rossoneri will receive considerably more from the overall deal than the original guaranteed transfer fee suggested, thanks to the clause negotiated when Reijnders moved to Manchester. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️#AlQadsiah | #TijjaniQadsawi pic.twitter.com/xdkcmcgRVc— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) August 19, 2026 What the move means for Christian Pulisic and Milan For Milan, the biggest takeaway is financial rather than sporting. The club has lost a player who became an i
The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have another experienced name alongside him at Al-Nassr, with Nahitan Nandez emerging as a surprise target in a developing Saudi Pro League transfer story. The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Nandez has been linked with Al-Nassr throughout the transfer window, although earlier attempts to bring the Uruguayan to Riyadh failed to produce an agreement. Now, fresh reports suggest the midfielder’s situation at Al-Qadsiah has changed considerably, giving Al-Nassr renewed hope of completing a deal. According to reports from Thmanyah, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are discussing a potential player swap involving Nandez. The proposal would see the 30-year-old move to the Riyadh outfit, with an unnamed player potentially heading in the opposite direction. The idea is still at the discussion stage, meaning there is no official agreement between the two clubs. However, the possibility of a swap could provide an alternative solution after the Saudi champion previously saw its approach for the Uruguay international rejected. Nandez joined Al-Qadsiah from Cagliari in July 2024 on a free transfer and signed a contract running until June 2027. His versatility has made him an attractive option, as he can operate in central midfield, on the right side or at right-back while offering considerable energy and defensive discipline. Nandez’s stance could change the picture The biggest development surrounding the potential transfer concerns Nandez’s own position on a move to Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, the midfielder is open to joining the Riyadh side and has given his preliminary approval. That stance could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an important advantage if negotiations with Al-Qadsiah progress. The player’s willingness removes one potential obstacle, although the clubs still need to settle the financial and structural details of any transfer or swap. Al-Nassr had previously made an enquiry for Nandez earlier in August, only for Al-Qadsiah to reject the approach. The Saudi club was reportedly offered German midfielder Julian Weigl instead, but that proposal did not lead to a breakthrough. Nahitan Nandez of Al Qadsiah in action Why Nandez makes sense for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, Nandez would offer something different from a conventional midfield signing. His ability to cover several positions–central midfielder, right-back, attacking midfielder or winger–combined with his experience in Saudi Arabia and European soccer, could give the squad greater tactical flexibility. The midfielder spent five seasons in Serie A with Cagliari before moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning he already understands the demands of the competition. His high-energy style and defensive work could also complement a squad built around attacking stars such as Ronaldo. Al-Nassr is continuing to compete for major domestic and continental honors, making squad depth increasingly important. Adding a player who can switch between midfield and defence could give the club another useful option during a demanding campaign.
While Goncalo Ramos acknowledges Cristiano Ronaldo's greatness, he believes the retirement of the Portuguese legend is imminent. Following a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a potential retirement in the near future. His international teammate Goncalo Ramos is well aware of the legacy Ronaldo will leave behind, while acknowledging that every athlete’s career comes with a time limit. Earlier this week, Ronaldo revealed his timeline, stating that the current campaign will likely be his last as a professional soccer player. His announcement generated a strong reaction across the squad. Goncalo Ramos, who shares a locker room with Ronaldo for the national team, emphasized that while CR7 is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in history, age affects every competitor. “It’s hard to believe that Cristiano will end his career,” Ramos said on press conference. “It’s been such a long time, and I think everyone has tied their soccer memories to his presence. “Personally, I don’t know soccer without Cristiano, so it would be very strange. But I think it’s something everyone expects, because age doesn’t lie. We all know that he will retire one day, and after what he said, perhaps that will be next season.” The 2026 World Cup was decisive for Cristiano Ronaldo Before the 2026 World Cup began, Portugal were viewed as serious title contenders. Alongside a star-studded squad, Ronaldo’s presence inspired his teammates to pursue the trophy. However, Portugal fell short of expectations. Despite reaching the Round of 16, their overall performances were inconsistent, and Ronaldo struggled to sustain a peak level of play throughout the tournament. Intense scrutiny weighed on the squad before they were ultimately eliminated by Spain. After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo was visibly distraught, recognizing that his final World Cup match had come to an end. The 1,000-goal milestone remains in sight Cristiano Ronaldo currently sits on 976 official career goals, leaving him just 24 goals away from reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark. That milestone stands as his primary remaining objective. If this proves to be Ronaldo’s final season, scoring 24 goals is well within reach given his typical output. However, should he fall slightly short by season’s end, he may extend his career just long enough to secure the historic benchmark.
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's debut this season with Al Nassr might not happen on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s wait to make his 2026-27 debut is set to drag on a little longer. According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, the Al Nassr captain continued his individual rehabilitation program on Wednesday without taking part in group training, still working his way back from a pelvic muscle injury that he suffered last week. Per the report, Ronaldo felt pain in the area during a group training session last week, but experienced no discomfort in Wednesday’s session, opting instead to stick to his rehabilitation routine alongside specific fitness work as part of his return-to-play plan. The club’s medical staff is expected to evaluate him again during Thursday’s session, with his final availability for the upcoming match against Al Riyadh on Friday to be determined based on the results of those medical and physical tests. The 41-year-old has already missed Al Nassr‘s first two competitive matches of the season, against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League and Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup, where his side picked up two wins to start the campaign on the right foot. From the Cup, back to our league journey 💛 pic.twitter.com/HY8rvPO6Es— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 19, 2026 Why Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s season debut Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s opening fixtures actually does tie back to fitness, just not the pelvic injury that’s now in question. The forward spent the club’s entire preseason on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, a break during which he married long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, missing the team’s overseas training camp in Lisbon entirely. With no preseason work under his belt, Ange Postecoglou chose not to rush him into a squad that had trained together for weeks, resting him for Al Nassr’s first two games of the season. He rejoined training just two days before the Saudi Pro League opener, and now, his debut hinges on whether he’s cleared to face Al Riyadh on Saturday. Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals continues this season Beyond the immediate injury concerns, this season also carries historic weight for Ronaldo, who sits on 976 official career goals for club and country, just 24 short of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman's future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman’s future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. With Benzema’s position at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, a surprising Turkish destination has now emerged, potentially setting up a blockbuster reunion with another global superstar. Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future. The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes. Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue. “Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!” Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptığı görüşmelerde henüz anlaşmaya varamadı. Süreç devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor'a önerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eşzamanlı görüşmeler başladı! https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) August 18, 2026 The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack. Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6. Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner. However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no
With Cristiano Ronaldo set to compete in his third edition, Al Nassr's 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite roadmap, with their respective rivals and dates, has been unveiled. Cristiano Ronaldo has made the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite one of his defining targets in what could potentially be his final season as a professional soccer player. With the Portuguese icon still awaiting his official season debut, the continental roadmap has officially been set after Al Nassr learned their group stage opponents and fixture schedule. After missing out on the tournament last season due to a third-place finish in 2024-25, Al Nassr are back in Asia’s flagship club competition. While they competed in the AFC Champions League Two last term, where they finished as runners-up, capturing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title punched their ticket straight to the top tier. The draw for the expanded 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite took place on Tuesday, August 18, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Al Nassr’s path was detailed alongside three other Saudi Arabian representatives in the competition: Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, and reigning back-to-back champions Al Ahli. This campaign marks the first edition featuring 32 clubs across the Asian continent. The AFC adopted a single-league format similar to the UEFA Champions League for the opening phase, with every participating club playing eight matches against eight different opponents while competing in a unified standings table. A moment where paths are mapped with the essence of hope and desire! #ACLElite League Stage is set in stone! pic.twitter.com/0ZvNcgOp9o— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) August 18, 2026 Once the eight-match league phase concludes, the top eight teams in the overall standings will advance to a two-legged round of 16 set for March 1 to 17, 2027. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament transitions to a centralized knockout stage hosted in Saudi Arabia between April 23 and May 1, 2027. Following Tuesday’s King’s Cup victory against Al Diriyah, Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the continental draw: “I watched the AFC Champions League draw, but we had a difficult match. If we hadn’t done what was required, we would have been knocked out of the King’s Cup. From tomorrow, we’ll start planning for the AFC Champions League, but my priority right now is the match against Al Riyadh (on Friday).” When is Al Nassr’s debut in the AFC Champions League? Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has competed in two AFC Champions League campaigns, suffering a quarterfinal exit against Al Ain in 2022-23 and a semifinal heartbreak against Kawasaki Frontale in 2024-25. The 2026-27 tournament marks his third run leading the Saudi club, with attention now focused on their opener. Al Nassr will kick off Matchday 1 of the AFC Champions League Elite against UAE side Al Ain FC on Tuesday, September 15, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The Saudi club hold a 2-3 all-time record against Al Ain, giving Ronaldo and company an early chance to level the head-to-head series. Al Nassr’s complete AFC Champions League Elite schedule With four home fixtures at Al Awwal Park and four away trips, Ronaldo’s full schedule for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage breaks down as follows: Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.Matchday 5:Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.
Harry Kane remains optimistic on his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or after reaching the second highest mark of goals scored in a single season only behind Lionel Messi. Harry Kane stood as one of the defining figures of the 2025-26 season, elevating himself into the front-runner conversation for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Following a historic, record-breaking campaign where he finished second only to Lionel Messi for the most goals scored in a single season, the English striker keeps his hopes of capturing soccer’s top individual honor firmly intact. On Monday, ahead of Bayern Munich’s preseason friendly against FC Heidenheim the following day, Kane addressed reporters regarding his performance over the past year: “Again, extremely proud to have put in the season I did last year. I think the Ballon d’Or is as big as it gets from an individual point of view. I know I had a great season last season, but as always, like I said already, the focus is on this new season.“ Kane’s campaign with Bayern proved to be one of the most prolific goalscoring runs in modern European soccer history. Despite coming up short in the UEFA Champions League, the English captain bagged 61 goals in 51 appearances for the Bavarian giants, including 36 in the Bundesliga to claim the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe, the second of his career. The striker, who also led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, took a measured approach when asked about his chances of securing the sport’s highest individual honor. “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. I’ve done what I can do in terms of putting in the performances. It’s now down to votes and other people and the media. Stuff I can’t control. We’ll see what happens.“ 🔴⚪️🌕 Harry Kane on the Ballon d’Or: “It’s the biggest award you can get. The Ballon d'Or isn't in my hands”.“I've done what I could in terms of performing. Of course, it would be fantastic if it happens. But ultimately, there's still 2-3 months until a decision is made”. pic.twitter.com/7GhoYitgqE— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2026 While maintaining that team goals remain his priority, Kane acknowledged the significance of potentially capturing the award: “Obviously, it’d be amazing if it was to happen, but ultimately it’s still two or three months away before that’s decided. It’s not something that’s on the front of my mind right now.“ The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place on Monday, October 26, at The London Palladium in London, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony will be hosted outside of France. With the event set in his home country, Kane will aim to become the fifth English player to win the award, and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. Messi’s single-season goalscoring record remains untouched The 2025-26 campaign presented Kane with an ideal platform to cement his legacy among the game’s legendary center forwards, starring for a dominant Bayern side and leading the line for England. He swept all domestic silverware in Germany by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, but ultimately fell just short of eclipsing Messi’s all-time single-season mark. Combining his output for Bayern Munich and England across all competitions, including UEFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, Kane finished with 73 goals in 2025-26, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69-goal mark from 2011-12 to move into second place all-time. His final tally was capped in the World Cup round of 16 against Mexico, as he went goalless in subsequent fixtures against Norway, Argentina, and France in the third-place match. As a result, Lionel Messi’s mythical record of 82 goals in 69 total appearances during the 2011-12 season remains intact for another year. Wearing the Barcelona shirt that year, Messi scored 73 club goals across all competitions while adding nine goals in nine appearances for Argentina, setting a benchmark that remains unmatched in modern soccer history.
While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to his return for Al-Nassr, with Ange Postecoglou increasingly confident about the condition of his captain. While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star. Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net. Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.” Chills 🗣️🔥 Ange Postecoglou & Cristiano Ronaldo combined for a huge pre-game rev up before Al Nassr’s first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/B3Sy8Vjurp— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 18, 2026 Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition. Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said. The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo? One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back. “I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him. That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.
The club is taking no chances with its captain after his extended summer break, and the latest update suggests supporters may not have to wait much longer to see him back on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to competitive action with Al-Nassr is beginning to take clearer shape after the Portuguese superstar was handed a carefully managed fitness plan. The club is taking no chances with its captain after his extended summer break, and the latest update suggests supporters may not have to wait much longer to see him back on the pitch. Ronaldo has already returned to training, but Al-Nassr has decided to ease him back into competitive football rather than immediately throw him into the opening fixtures. A special fitness program has now been designed to prepare the 41-year-old for his comeback, with his workload being closely monitored by the club’s fitness staff. The Portuguese forward spent an extended period away from Al-Nassr following Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup. He subsequently returned to the Saudi club last week after enjoying time away from soccer, including his holiday with Georgina Rodriguez. Although Ronaldo missed the club’s preseason preparations in Lisbon, reports indicate that he maintained a good level of physical condition during his break. That has allowed Al-Nassr’s coaching staff to focus primarily on restoring his match sharpness rather than starting his conditioning work from scratch. The return of the GOAT is more likely than ever!🐐🥵 https://t.co/0mFElPY1dA pic.twitter.com/6zER04pEBD— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 18, 2026 Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that Ronaldo has been placed on a special fitness plan designed by Al-Nassr’s fitness coach to raise his physical levels ahead of his return. Special 90-minute session forms part of comeback plan The latest update came as Ronaldo was scheduled to complete a 90-minute fitness session on Tuesday at Al-Nassr’s training center in Riyadh. The session is part of a tailored program intended to prepare him for competitive action in the coming weeks. Al-Riyadiyah reported that the club’s fitness coach had prepared a special program for the Portuguese star to build his fitness ahead of the upcoming matches. The session comes after Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fateh, which the club won 3-0. He was also expected to sit out Tuesday’s King’s Cup Round of 32 clash against Al-Diriyah, with the coaching staff continuing to prioritize his gradual return. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training The exact return date is finally taking shape With the Al-Diriyah match effectively serving as another game Ronaldo will miss, attention now turns to Al-Nassr’s next league fixture. Ronaldo is now expected to return against Al-Riyadh on Friday, August 21, assuming he completes the fitness plan without any setbacks. That would give the veteran forward several more days to work on his conditioning before being reintroduced to competitive play. The timing also makes sense for Al-Nassr, which has little reason to rush its biggest star this early in a long campaign. Reports from Al-Riyadiyah also suggest Ronaldo has lost little of his sharpness during his time away from the club, providing further encouragement that his return could arrive sooner rather than later. The special fitness plan is therefore less about rebuilding his physical condition completely and more about making sure he is ready to handle the intensity of a competitive match.
Cristiano Ronaldo indicated this could be his final season as a professional and revealed which sport he'll take up in the future. Cristiano Ronaldo opened up about what could be the final chapter of his professional career in a wide-ranging interview with Vogue. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward didn’t rule out that this campaign with Al Nassr could be his last as a professional. “This is probably my last year of football,” he told the magazine, adding that he wants to leave behind a legacy fitting of his career. Asked about life after football, Ronaldo made clear he already has a plan in place, and that padel will be a central part of it. “I have my future all mapped out… Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned, what we’ve earned,” he said. None of it means Ronaldo is walking away just yet. He missed Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh on August 15 and also sat out their King’s Cup debut against Al-Diriyah, as he continues working his way back into match fitness after his wedding with Georgina Rodriguez. He’s expected to return for Al Nassr’s Matchday 2 clash with Al Riyadh on August 21, as the club looks to defend their title and secure back-to-back championships for the first time in more than 11 years. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez are married! For weeks, the internet was awash with speculation—about the date, the location, the guest list. (The rumored celebrity attendees included everyone from Rio Ferdinand to Rihanna.) In the end, the couple’s wedding took place on… pic.twitter.com/uBNOBVteye— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) August 16, 2026 On an individual level, he remains just 24 goals shy of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 career goals, giving this potential farewell season no shortage of storylines regardless of how it ends. Ronaldo’s own padel club in Lisbon Ronaldo is far from the only elite athlete drawn to the sport, but few have invested in it quite like he has. In 2024, he acquired 100% of the shares in the Lisboa Racket Club, a premier complex in the Alvalade neighborhood featuring eight tennis courts, seven padel courts and five squash courts, making him the outright owner of one of Lisbon’s top racket-sports venues. Ronaldo isn’t the only star who plays padel Several other big football names have shown a taste for the sport too. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have also been spotted playing padel together in Miami, squaring off in a friendly match that went viral after Suarez lost a bet tied to it. Vinicius Junior has had a padel court installed at his own home, where he regularly plays with several Real Madrid teammates, and former Dutch international Arjen Robben has gone as far as competing in padel professionally since hanging up his boots.
Al Nassr face Al Diriyah today, August 18, in the 2026–27 King Cup of Champions, with the big question on why Cristiano Ronaldo won't play. Al Nassr and Al Diriyah meet in the Round of 32 of the 2026–27 King Cup of Champions, and all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for this match. After the starting XI was announced, it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s match against Al Diriyah. The Portuguese star did not feature in his team’s debut for the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League season either. Head coach Ange Postecoglou has decided to give the 41-year-old rest to regain match fitness following the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. Al-Nassr’s confirmed lineup While it is a Round of 32 cup match, Postecoglou deployed a strong starting XI similar to the squad featured in Matchday 1 of the 2026–27 SPL season against Al Fateh. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. Al Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Salem, Simakan, Alamri, Boushal; Coman, Costa, Angelo; Mane, Felix, Hamdan. Al Diriyah’s confirmed lineup As for Al Diriyah, the start of the season did not go as planned following a home defeat against Al Ahli Saudi. The club is aiming to get back on track in the King Cup of Champions. Al Diriyah confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Vasilj; Al Faraj, Djimsiti, Mbemba, Al Obaid; Gueye, Al Malki; Diandy, Rodriguez, N’Koudou, Laborde.
The league is entering a new financial phase, with clubs becoming more cautious about how much they spend on first-team players while still trying to maintain the star power that has transformed the competition in recent years. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema remain the Saudi Pro League’s two biggest earners, but the spending landscape around them has taken an unexpected turn. The league is entering a new financial phase, with clubs becoming more cautious about how much they spend on first-team players while still trying to maintain the star power that has transformed the competition in recent years. The change is especially striking because the Saudi Pro League built much of its global reputation through enormous investments in internationally renowned players. Ronaldo remains the face of that transformation, while Benzema continues to rank among the competition’s highest-paid stars, yet the latest figures suggest the era of unchecked wage growth is beginning to cool. According to estimates from salary data provider Capology, cited by Saudi newspaper Al-Eqtisadiah, the Saudi Pro League‘s fixed player wage bill has fallen by around 13% for the 2026-27 season. Base salaries are now estimated at approximately $1.11 billion, compared with roughly $1.28 billion last season. When bonuses and other estimated incentives are included, the total wage package stands at around $1.38 billion, down from approximately $1.58 billion previously. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy That represents a substantial reduction for a competition that has spent the past few years aggressively recruiting some of football’s biggest names. The decline reflects a combination of expensive contracts leaving the books and new financial controls designed to encourage more sustainable spending. Ronaldo remains the league’s highest-paid star Despite the overall reduction, Ronaldo remains comfortably at the top of the salary rankings. Capology estimates that the Al-Nassr captain earns approximately $241 million in fixed annual salary, equivalent to roughly $4.6 million per week before bonuses are taken into account. Benzema follows in second place, with an estimated fixed salary of around $142 million per year. Sadio Mane ranks third at approximately $46 million, while Kalidou Koulibaly is next at around $40 million, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ivan Toney both estimated at roughly $30 million. SPL WAGE BILL DROPS 13% THIS SEASON… 🇸🇦💰Total fixed salaries down to €959.5M — total package including bonuses around €1.2B, per @aleqtisadiah pic.twitter.com/8Jhyz0NdmL— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 17, 2026 These figures are particularly significant because they highlight how much the league’s financial structure still revolves around elite talent. However, the gap between the biggest contracts and the broader spending environment could become more controlled as clubs adapt to the new regulations. New spending rules change the landscape The reduction in wages is closely connected to stricter financial regulations introduced for the new season. Clubs are now limited to spending no more than 75% of their revenue on first-team costs, down from the previous 80% threshold. The remaining portion is intended to support areas such as youth development, infrastructure and other long-term projects. The aim is to ensure that clubs can continue competing at a high level without allowing wage commitments to grow beyond what their revenues can reasonably support. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal during the AFC Champions League Elite. The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment strategy succeeded in raising its profile around the world. Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in 2023 helped trigger a wave of major transfers, with other clubs subsequently attracting players such as Benzema, Mane and Neymar.
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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr has discovered its next challenge in Saudi Arabia’s most prestigious knockout competition after the King’s Cup Round of 16 draw was completed. With eight single-leg ties scheduled for October, the Riyadh side now knows what stands between it and another step toward domestic silverware. The draw has produced several intriguing matchups involving Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs and ambitious challengers. Al-Nassr will have home advantage, but the tie could still demand full concentration from Ange Postecoglou’s side. The draw, held at Thmanyah studios on Thursday, August 20, confirmed that Al-Nassr will face Al-Kholood at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh. The match is scheduled to take place on October 19 or 20, although organizers have also announced November 30 and December 1 as alternative dates if the calendar requires adjustments. The Saudi Pro League champion booked its place in the last 16 with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Al-Diriyah earlier this week. Joao Felix stole the spotlight in that match, scoring twice and adding an assist after Al-Nassr initially fell behind. The cameras kept rolling when the match wasn’t 🎥💛This is the story behind our King’s Cup qualification 🎧 pic.twitter.com/w33ipgReV5— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The opponent arrives with its own impressive cup story. Al-Kholood defeated First Division side Jeddah 5-0 in the Round of 32, with Spanish midfielder Iker Kortajarena scoring a first-half hat-trick to underline the club’s attacking threat. Al-Kholood brings recent King’s Cup pedigree Al-Kholood enjoyed a remarkable run in the previous edition of the competition. The club reached the King’s Cup final last season, even taking the lead against Al-Hilal before eventually losing 2-1. That campaign was particularly impressive because Al-Kholood was simultaneously fighting to preserve its top-flight status. Under Des Buckingham, the club managed to avoid relegation while establishing itself as a genuine threat in the cup, demonstrating that it can cause problems for more established opponents. 🗳 | The 2026-2027 King’s Cup draw is out!🆚 | Nassr to face AlKholood🏆 | Round of 16 – King’s Cup🏟 | In @VictoryArena_sa Best of luck to our Nassr 💛 pic.twitter.com/l5NheNuKcK— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 20, 2026 The recent league meeting between the two sides should also give Al-Nassr reason for caution. The teams played out a 1-1 draw, meaning Postecoglou’s players will already know that Al-Kholood can frustrate them when the game becomes competitive and tightly contested. Postecoglou faces another test with Ronaldo’s side Al-Nassr enters the tie as the obvious favorite given its squad quality and ambitions. Ronaldo remains the headline figure, while the Riyadh side can also call upon Joao Felix and a collection of international stars capable of deciding a knockout match. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr is challenged by Nasser Al-Dawsari of Al Hilal. For Postecoglou, the King’s Cup represents another opportunity to build momentum during his first season in charge. The Australian coach will be expected to challenge for multiple trophies, making a favorable home draw something Al-Nassr will want to capitalize on. Still, knockout soccer can quickly punish complacency. Al-Kholood’s cup pedigree, recent 1-1 draw with Al-Nassr and emphatic 5-0 victory in the previous round mean the visitor has enough evidence to believe it can produce another surprise.
A sensational move to Inter Miami has been floated as a possible next chapter for the Frenchman, although the situation surrounding his future is far more complicated than the glamorous destination might suggest. Lionel Messi could soon find himself sharing a dressing room with Karim Benzema, the former Real Madrid superstar who once played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and is now one of his biggest rivals in the Saudi Pro League. A sensational move to Inter Miami has been floated as a possible next chapter for the Frenchman, although the situation surrounding his future is far more complicated than the glamorous destination might suggest. Benzema’s situation has become one of the most intriguing stories of the Saudi transfer window. With his future at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, speculation has naturally turned toward where the 38-year-old could continue his career if he leaves the club. Reports from Diario AS and Sky Sports indicate that Benzema is negotiating a possible contract termination with Al-Hilal. The French striker is reportedly out of Simone Inzaghi’s plans, while the club has already identified Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins as a potential replacement. The situation became even more complicated after Benzema expressed his frustration at being substituted during Al-Hilal’s 4-2 victory over Al-Faisaly. Despite scoring in the match, the veteran forward was replaced in the second half, fueling further speculation about his relationship with the new manager. 🎥 BREAKING! Terjadi keributan antara Simone Inzaghi dan Benzema saat pertandingan Al-Hilal vs Al-Fasaily berlangsungBenzema yg ditarik keluar di menit 70 seperti terlihat tidak terima kalau dia harus digantikan ditengah pertandingan dam terlibat adu mulut dengan Inzaghi.… pic.twitter.com/jla1dkERK3— Dokter Gooners (@DokGooners) August 15, 2026 Inzaghi, however, attempted to calm the situation afterward. “We talked about that after the match. It’s normal that he wants to play every match, and I understand him because I was a striker too,” Inzaghi said, according to Saudi media reports. The Italian coach added that he has a respectful relationship with Benzema, describing him as “not only a great champion, but also a very great professional.” The financial problem blocking Benzema’s exit The biggest obstacle to Benzema leaving Al-Hilal is reportedly financial. The striker wants the full value of the final year of his contract, while Al-Hilal and the relevant Saudi soccer authorities are unwilling to simply pay the entire amount to terminate the agreement. Benzema’s contract structure makes matters even more complicated because part of his salary is reportedly covered through bodies connected to the Saudi Pro League. As a result, ending the deal could require approval from multiple parties rather than being a straightforward agreement between the player and the club. That issue has effectively put the next stage of the veteran striker’s career on hold. Al-Hilal wants to free up a foreign-player spot for a new striker, but it cannot fully move forward until Benzema’s contractual situation is resolved. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal during the AFC Champions League Elite. Could Messi and Benzema really unite in Miami? That uncertainty has opened the door to speculation about a stunning move to Major League Soccer. Inter Miami has been mentioned as a potential destination for Benzema, with the possibility of the Frenchman joining Messi, Luis Suarez and several other established stars creating an irresistible storyline, as per Saudi outlet Midan Al Yaum. The idea would reunite two of the most decorated forwards of their generation. Messi and Benzema spent years competing against each other in European soccer, particularly during Benzema’s Real Madrid career, but could now potentially become teammates in the United States.
With the Portuguese superstar working his way back to full fitness, the Australian coach faces a delicate call over how quickly to bring his captain back into the action. Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to competitive action is becoming one of the biggest talking points around Al-Nassr as Ange Postecoglou weighs an important decision ahead of the Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Riyadh. With the Portuguese superstar working his way back to full fitness, the Australian coach faces a delicate call over how quickly to bring his captain back into the action. According to Arriyadiyah, Ronaldo continued his rehabilitation plan on Wednesday without joining Al-Nassr’s group training session. The 41-year-old is recovering from a pelvic muscle injury after experiencing pain during a team session last week, although he reportedly felt no discomfort during Wednesday’s work. Instead, the Portuguese superstar completed specific fitness exercises alongside his recovery program as he continues to follow the medical staff’s return-to-play plan. The club is expected to assess him again during Thursday’s training session before determining whether he can feature against Al-Riyadh this Friday. View this post on Instagram That assessment could ultimately determine whether Ronaldo makes his first competitive appearance of the new season. Medical and physical tests will play a major role in deciding how much involvement, if any, he is ready to handle. Postecoglou faces crucial call The latest information has added another layer of intrigue to Ronaldo’s situation. 365Scores Arabic reports that the current inclination is for Ronaldo to be rested against Al-Riyadh, although Postecoglou is discussing the possibility of giving his captain some minutes. “The current inclination is for Cristiano Ronaldo to be rested against Al-Riyadh. However, Postecoglou is consulting with Ronaldo about giving him some minutes, with the final decision expected to be made in the coming hours,” the report stated. That means the door remains open to a short cameo from the bench, even if the veteran is ultimately deemed unready to start. Postecoglou’s decision will depend on both the medical assessment and the player’s own response to the workload. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Carefully managed return Ronaldo has already missed Al-Nassr’s opening competitive fixtures of the campaign. He was absent for the 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Fateh on August 15 before also sitting out the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. His absence from those matches came after a demanding summer that included the 2026 World Cup with Portugal, followed by his return to club soccer later than some of his teammates. Postecoglou has therefore taken a cautious approach as he attempts to manage the workload of one of the most important players in his squad. The Australian coach took over at Al-Nassr in July following Jorge Jesus’ departure and has already overseen a positive start to the league campaign. With the club defending its Saudi Pro League crown, Postecoglou will want Ronaldo available for the long haul rather than risk rushing him back for one early-season fixture.
The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Christian Pulisic and his Milan teammates have suddenly found themselves linked to a remarkable financial story after Manchester City’s Tijjani Reijnders followed Cristiano Ronaldo into the Saudi Pro League. The Dutch midfielder’s rapid departure from Manchester City has raised plenty of eyebrows, but behind the headline transfer lies another development that could prove especially significant for the Italian club. Reijnders has completed his move from Manchester City to Al-Qadsiah, with the Saudi club agreeing to pay $71 million for the Netherlands international. The 28-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will now work under former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers alongside Italy striker Mateo Retegui. Al-Qadsiah announced the signing with a video introducing their new midfielder as “A Dutch artist who will paint his masterpieces on our pitches.” Reijnders also offered his own memorable message after arriving, saying: “I’m a Dutch artist; I’m a Qadsiah man.” The transfer brings an unexpectedly quick end to Reijnders’ time at Manchester City. The midfielder joined from Milan in 2025 and made around 50 appearances in his only season, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists across competitions. Tijjani Reijnders has joined Al Qadsiah on a permanent deal, subject to international clearance.All the best, @T_Reijnders 🩵 pic.twitter.com/A11q2S0Vce— Manchester City (@ManCity) August 19, 2026 The clause that changes everything for Milan While Manchester City will receive a substantial fee from Al-Qadsiah, the transfer has an even more interesting consequence for the Rossoneri. A clause inserted into Reijnders’ original move to England means Milan is entitled to the full value of his performance-related bonuses if City sells him within the first year. Milan had sold Reijnders to City for an initial fee of around $64 million, with another $16 million available through bonuses. Those incentives were originally connected to achievements such as appearances, team success and individual accolades, but the special resale provision means the Italian club can collect the entire bonus package following his immediate departure. Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates with his team-mate Tijjani Reijnders That takes City’s total payment to Milan to almost $82 million, despite Reijnders failing to trigger all of those performance-based targets during his season in England. It represents an extraordinary piece of business for Milan, which originally signed the midfielder from AZ Alkmaar for roughly $15 million in 2023. Milan turn Reijnders into $65m profit The numbers make the financial impact particularly striking. The Red and Blacks’ overall profit from Reijnders’ sale now rises to approximately $65 million, highlighting how effectively the club managed the midfielder’s transfer despite losing him after only two seasons at San Siro. The Dutchman had become one of Milan’s most important players after joining from AZ. His ability to carry the ball, progress possession and contribute in the final third made him one of Serie A‘s most sought-after midfielders, eventually convincing City to make a major investment in him. His move to the Saudi Pro League means Christian Pulisic’s squad has effectively turned that investment into a huge financial return. The Rossoneri will receive considerably more from the overall deal than the original guaranteed transfer fee suggested, thanks to the clause negotiated when Reijnders moved to Manchester. 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️#AlQadsiah | #TijjaniQadsawi pic.twitter.com/xdkcmcgRVc— AlQadsiah Saudi Club (@AlQadsiahEN) August 19, 2026 What the move means for Christian Pulisic and Milan For Milan, the biggest takeaway is financial rather than sporting. The club has lost a player who became an i
The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have another experienced name alongside him at Al-Nassr, with Nahitan Nandez emerging as a surprise target in a developing Saudi Pro League transfer story. The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Nandez has been linked with Al-Nassr throughout the transfer window, although earlier attempts to bring the Uruguayan to Riyadh failed to produce an agreement. Now, fresh reports suggest the midfielder’s situation at Al-Qadsiah has changed considerably, giving Al-Nassr renewed hope of completing a deal. According to reports from Thmanyah, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are discussing a potential player swap involving Nandez. The proposal would see the 30-year-old move to the Riyadh outfit, with an unnamed player potentially heading in the opposite direction. The idea is still at the discussion stage, meaning there is no official agreement between the two clubs. However, the possibility of a swap could provide an alternative solution after the Saudi champion previously saw its approach for the Uruguay international rejected. Nandez joined Al-Qadsiah from Cagliari in July 2024 on a free transfer and signed a contract running until June 2027. His versatility has made him an attractive option, as he can operate in central midfield, on the right side or at right-back while offering considerable energy and defensive discipline. Nandez’s stance could change the picture The biggest development surrounding the potential transfer concerns Nandez’s own position on a move to Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, the midfielder is open to joining the Riyadh side and has given his preliminary approval. That stance could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an important advantage if negotiations with Al-Qadsiah progress. The player’s willingness removes one potential obstacle, although the clubs still need to settle the financial and structural details of any transfer or swap. Al-Nassr had previously made an enquiry for Nandez earlier in August, only for Al-Qadsiah to reject the approach. The Saudi club was reportedly offered German midfielder Julian Weigl instead, but that proposal did not lead to a breakthrough. Nahitan Nandez of Al Qadsiah in action Why Nandez makes sense for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, Nandez would offer something different from a conventional midfield signing. His ability to cover several positions–central midfielder, right-back, attacking midfielder or winger–combined with his experience in Saudi Arabia and European soccer, could give the squad greater tactical flexibility. The midfielder spent five seasons in Serie A with Cagliari before moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning he already understands the demands of the competition. His high-energy style and defensive work could also complement a squad built around attacking stars such as Ronaldo. Al-Nassr is continuing to compete for major domestic and continental honors, making squad depth increasingly important. Adding a player who can switch between midfield and defence could give the club another useful option during a demanding campaign.
While Goncalo Ramos acknowledges Cristiano Ronaldo's greatness, he believes the retirement of the Portuguese legend is imminent. Following a challenging 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a potential retirement in the near future. His international teammate Goncalo Ramos is well aware of the legacy Ronaldo will leave behind, while acknowledging that every athlete’s career comes with a time limit. Earlier this week, Ronaldo revealed his timeline, stating that the current campaign will likely be his last as a professional soccer player. His announcement generated a strong reaction across the squad. Goncalo Ramos, who shares a locker room with Ronaldo for the national team, emphasized that while CR7 is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in history, age affects every competitor. “It’s hard to believe that Cristiano will end his career,” Ramos said on press conference. “It’s been such a long time, and I think everyone has tied their soccer memories to his presence. “Personally, I don’t know soccer without Cristiano, so it would be very strange. But I think it’s something everyone expects, because age doesn’t lie. We all know that he will retire one day, and after what he said, perhaps that will be next season.” The 2026 World Cup was decisive for Cristiano Ronaldo Before the 2026 World Cup began, Portugal were viewed as serious title contenders. Alongside a star-studded squad, Ronaldo’s presence inspired his teammates to pursue the trophy. However, Portugal fell short of expectations. Despite reaching the Round of 16, their overall performances were inconsistent, and Ronaldo struggled to sustain a peak level of play throughout the tournament. Intense scrutiny weighed on the squad before they were ultimately eliminated by Spain. After the final whistle, an emotional Ronaldo was visibly distraught, recognizing that his final World Cup match had come to an end. The 1,000-goal milestone remains in sight Cristiano Ronaldo currently sits on 976 official career goals, leaving him just 24 goals away from reaching the historic 1,000-goal mark. That milestone stands as his primary remaining objective. If this proves to be Ronaldo’s final season, scoring 24 goals is well within reach given his typical output. However, should he fall slightly short by season’s end, he may extend his career just long enough to secure the historic benchmark.
According to reports, Cristiano Ronaldo's debut this season with Al Nassr might not happen on Saturday in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al Riyadh. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s wait to make his 2026-27 debut is set to drag on a little longer. According to Saudi outlet Al Riyadiyah, the Al Nassr captain continued his individual rehabilitation program on Wednesday without taking part in group training, still working his way back from a pelvic muscle injury that he suffered last week. Per the report, Ronaldo felt pain in the area during a group training session last week, but experienced no discomfort in Wednesday’s session, opting instead to stick to his rehabilitation routine alongside specific fitness work as part of his return-to-play plan. The club’s medical staff is expected to evaluate him again during Thursday’s session, with his final availability for the upcoming match against Al Riyadh on Friday to be determined based on the results of those medical and physical tests. The 41-year-old has already missed Al Nassr‘s first two competitive matches of the season, against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League and Al Diriyah in the King’s Cup, where his side picked up two wins to start the campaign on the right foot. From the Cup, back to our league journey 💛 pic.twitter.com/HY8rvPO6Es— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) August 19, 2026 Why Ronaldo missed Al Nassr’s season debut Ronaldo’s absence from Al Nassr’s opening fixtures actually does tie back to fitness, just not the pelvic injury that’s now in question. The forward spent the club’s entire preseason on vacation following the 2026 World Cup, a break during which he married long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez in Portugal, missing the team’s overseas training camp in Lisbon entirely. With no preseason work under his belt, Ange Postecoglou chose not to rush him into a squad that had trained together for weeks, resting him for Al Nassr’s first two games of the season. He rejoined training just two days before the Saudi Pro League opener, and now, his debut hinges on whether he’s cleared to face Al Riyadh on Saturday. Ronaldo’s chase for 1,000 career goals continues this season Beyond the immediate injury concerns, this season also carries historic weight for Ronaldo, who sits on 976 official career goals for club and country, just 24 short of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 official goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise […] Cristiano Ronaldo has never had it this low. The Al Nassr forward, now 41 and reportedly closing in on the final stretch of his professional career, has been handed an overall rating of 84 in EA Sports FC 27, his weakest base card since FIFA 04, the very game that introduced him to the franchise as a raw 19-year-old winger at Manchester United. It’s a stark departure from the version of Ronaldo that dominated the series for the better part of two decades. Between FIFA 17 and FIFA 19, he sat at a career-high 94 overall, a level matched by only a handful of players in the game’s history. Even as his output tailed off in his mid-to-late 30s, EA Sports kept him in elite territory well into his time at Al Nassr, refusing to nerf him below 84 until this year’s edition. The decline has been gradual but steady. His rating dropped a single point across FC 25 and FC 26 (85 in both), then fell again this year to 84, continuing a slide that began in earnest once he left Europe for the Saudi Pro League in early 2023. The Saudi Pro League’s best. But who deserves the top spot?The Top 27 rated @SPL players in #FC27 are here. Now, let the debate begin.Pre-order today: https://t.co/HCrRKgAJWR pic.twitter.com/ZXy3Tlp8iM— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) August 19, 2026 FIFA 23 marked the first real inflection point, when EA slashed his card from an initial 90 down to 87 mid-cycle following the Al Nassr transfer, a rating cut that set the tone for everything since. Despite the drop, Ronaldo’s 84 overall still ranks as the highest base cards ever assigned to a 41-year-old in the franchise’s history. Whether EA Sports FC 27 ends up being his final appearance in the series remains to be seen, but for now, the numbers tell the story of a decline two decades in the making. Cristiano no longer the Saudi Pro League’s top-rated player For the first time since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t the highest-rated player at the Saudi Pro League. According to the latest EA Sports FC 27 ratings, Ruben Neves now tops the league pecking order with an 85 overall, edging out Ronaldo’s 84. Even so, Ronaldo remains comfortably the highest-rated player at Al Nassr. His 84 overall sits well clear of the club’s next-best cards, João Felix (83), Iñigo Martinez (83), and Kingsley Coman (83), all a full point behind their captain. Ronaldo’s overall rating through every FIFA/EA Sports FC edition EditionOverall RatingFIFA 0480FIFA 0588FIFA 0691FIFA 0787FIFA 0891FIFA 0991FIFA 1089FIFA 1189FIFA 1292FIFA 1392FIFA 1492FIFA 1592FIFA 1693FIFA 1794FIFA 1894FIFA 1994FIFA 2093FIFA 2192FIFA 2291FIFA 2387EA Sports FC 2486EA Sports FC 2585EA Sports FC 2685EA Sports FC 2784
Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman's future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have shared the Saudi Pro League spotlight since their moves to the Middle East, but the latest development surrounding the Frenchman’s future could take their rivalry in a completely unexpected direction. With Benzema’s position at Al-Hilal increasingly uncertain, a surprising Turkish destination has now emerged, potentially setting up a blockbuster reunion with another global superstar. Benzema’s future has become increasingly complicated after Al-Hilal began considering a major overhaul of its attacking options. The former Real Madrid captain remains productive, but his place in Simone Inzaghi’s plans is reportedly under serious scrutiny, creating uncertainty over where the 38-year-old will play next. Benzema joined Al-Hilal in January after ending his spell with Al-Ittihad, but his time in Riyadh could already be approaching an unexpected conclusion. The Frenchman has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances for the Blue Waves, showing that his individual numbers remain impressive despite the doubts surrounding his future. The club is reportedly considering terminating his contract as it looks to reshape its squad and accommodate another high-profile striker. Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen have all emerged as possible targets, with Inzaghi understood to want another center-forward for the new campaign. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi The situation is complicated by Benzema’s contract, as the striker reportedly wants the full amount owed for the final year of his deal before agreeing to leave. That demand has made negotiations more difficult and could determine whether Al-Hilal can move ahead with its preferred attacking changes. Turkish Super Lig suddenly enters the Benzema race That uncertainty has now opened the door to the surprise development involving Trabzonspor, which has reportedly made contact regarding Benzema. According to Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu, the club has inquired about the conditions required to sign the veteran striker while its discussions with Al-Hilal continue. “Trabzonspor inquired about the conditions for Karim Benzema, who wears the Al-Hilal shirt!” Sabuncuoglu reported on X (formerly Twitter). He added: “Trabzonspor has not yet reached an agreement in their discussions with Al-Hilal. As the process continues, Karim Benzema was offered to Trabzonspor, and simultaneous talks with the French star have begun!” Trabzonspor, Al-Hilal ile yaptığı görüşmelerde henüz anlaşmaya varamadı. Süreç devam ederken Karim Benzema, Trabzonspor'a önerildi ve Fransız yıldızla eşzamanlı görüşmeler başladı! https://t.co/1ssqyHDXON— Yağız Sabuncuoğlu (@yagosabuncuoglu) August 18, 2026 The move represents a major change in Trabzonspor’s transfer strategy, particularly because the club had failed to close a deal for Darwin Nunez. With those negotiations yet to produce an agreement, Benzema has emerged as an experienced alternative for the attack. Mohamed Salah could make the move even bigger The biggest twist is the possibility that Benzema could join Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor, creating a remarkable attacking partnership if the negotiations progress. Salah reportedly joined the Turkish club on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool, signing a two-year contract on August 6. Mohamed Salah at Trabzonspor That would give the Claret-Blues two of the most recognizable forwards of their generation in the same attack. Salah’s arrival has already transformed the profile of the Turkish club, while Benzema would add Champions League experience, elite finishing and the pedigree of a former Ballon d’Or winner. However, the talks remain at an early stage, and there is currently no
With Cristiano Ronaldo set to compete in his third edition, Al Nassr's 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite roadmap, with their respective rivals and dates, has been unveiled. Cristiano Ronaldo has made the 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite one of his defining targets in what could potentially be his final season as a professional soccer player. With the Portuguese icon still awaiting his official season debut, the continental roadmap has officially been set after Al Nassr learned their group stage opponents and fixture schedule. After missing out on the tournament last season due to a third-place finish in 2024-25, Al Nassr are back in Asia’s flagship club competition. While they competed in the AFC Champions League Two last term, where they finished as runners-up, capturing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title punched their ticket straight to the top tier. The draw for the expanded 2026-27 AFC Champions League Elite took place on Tuesday, August 18, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Al Nassr’s path was detailed alongside three other Saudi Arabian representatives in the competition: Al Hilal, Al Qadsiah, and reigning back-to-back champions Al Ahli. This campaign marks the first edition featuring 32 clubs across the Asian continent. The AFC adopted a single-league format similar to the UEFA Champions League for the opening phase, with every participating club playing eight matches against eight different opponents while competing in a unified standings table. A moment where paths are mapped with the essence of hope and desire! #ACLElite League Stage is set in stone! pic.twitter.com/0ZvNcgOp9o— #ACLElite | #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) August 18, 2026 Once the eight-match league phase concludes, the top eight teams in the overall standings will advance to a two-legged round of 16 set for March 1 to 17, 2027. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament transitions to a centralized knockout stage hosted in Saudi Arabia between April 23 and May 1, 2027. Following Tuesday’s King’s Cup victory against Al Diriyah, Al Nassr manager Ange Postecoglou addressed the continental draw: “I watched the AFC Champions League draw, but we had a difficult match. If we hadn’t done what was required, we would have been knocked out of the King’s Cup. From tomorrow, we’ll start planning for the AFC Champions League, but my priority right now is the match against Al Riyadh (on Friday).” When is Al Nassr’s debut in the AFC Champions League? Since joining Al Nassr in December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo has competed in two AFC Champions League campaigns, suffering a quarterfinal exit against Al Ain in 2022-23 and a semifinal heartbreak against Kawasaki Frontale in 2024-25. The 2026-27 tournament marks his third run leading the Saudi club, with attention now focused on their opener. Al Nassr will kick off Matchday 1 of the AFC Champions League Elite against UAE side Al Ain FC on Tuesday, September 15, at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. The Saudi club hold a 2-3 all-time record against Al Ain, giving Ronaldo and company an early chance to level the head-to-head series. Al Nassr’s complete AFC Champions League Elite schedule With four home fixtures at Al Awwal Park and four away trips, Ronaldo’s full schedule for the AFC Champions League Elite league stage breaks down as follows: Matchday 1: Al Ain FC (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, September 15, 2026.Matchday 2: Al Nassr vs. PFC Neftchi (UZB) — Monday, October 12, 2026.Matchday 3: Al Nassr vs. Al Wasl FC (UAE) — Monday, October 26, 2026.Matchday 4: Pakhtakor (UZB) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, November 2, 2026.Matchday 5:Al Nassr vs. Al Sadd SC (QAT) — Tuesday, November 24, 2026.Matchday 6: Al Gharafa SC (QAT) vs. Al Nassr — Tuesday, December 8, 2026.Matchday 7: Al Nassr vs. Al Shamal SC (QAT) — Monday, February 8, 2027.Matchday 8: Shabab Al Ahli (UAE) vs. Al Nassr — Monday, February 15, 2027.
Harry Kane remains optimistic on his chances of winning the 2026 Ballon d'Or after reaching the second highest mark of goals scored in a single season only behind Lionel Messi. Harry Kane stood as one of the defining figures of the 2025-26 season, elevating himself into the front-runner conversation for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. Following a historic, record-breaking campaign where he finished second only to Lionel Messi for the most goals scored in a single season, the English striker keeps his hopes of capturing soccer’s top individual honor firmly intact. On Monday, ahead of Bayern Munich’s preseason friendly against FC Heidenheim the following day, Kane addressed reporters regarding his performance over the past year: “Again, extremely proud to have put in the season I did last year. I think the Ballon d’Or is as big as it gets from an individual point of view. I know I had a great season last season, but as always, like I said already, the focus is on this new season.“ Kane’s campaign with Bayern proved to be one of the most prolific goalscoring runs in modern European soccer history. Despite coming up short in the UEFA Champions League, the English captain bagged 61 goals in 51 appearances for the Bavarian giants, including 36 in the Bundesliga to claim the 2025-26 European Golden Shoe, the second of his career. The striker, who also led England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, took a measured approach when asked about his chances of securing the sport’s highest individual honor. “The Ballon d’Or is not in my hands. I’ve done what I can do in terms of putting in the performances. It’s now down to votes and other people and the media. Stuff I can’t control. We’ll see what happens.“ 🔴⚪️🌕 Harry Kane on the Ballon d’Or: “It’s the biggest award you can get. The Ballon d'Or isn't in my hands”.“I've done what I could in terms of performing. Of course, it would be fantastic if it happens. But ultimately, there's still 2-3 months until a decision is made”. pic.twitter.com/7GhoYitgqE— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2026 While maintaining that team goals remain his priority, Kane acknowledged the significance of potentially capturing the award: “Obviously, it’d be amazing if it was to happen, but ultimately it’s still two or three months away before that’s decided. It’s not something that’s on the front of my mind right now.“ The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or will take place on Monday, October 26, at The London Palladium in London, marking the first time the prestigious ceremony will be hosted outside of France. With the event set in his home country, Kane will aim to become the fifth English player to win the award, and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. Messi’s single-season goalscoring record remains untouched The 2025-26 campaign presented Kane with an ideal platform to cement his legacy among the game’s legendary center forwards, starring for a dominant Bayern side and leading the line for England. He swept all domestic silverware in Germany by winning the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and DFL-Supercup, but ultimately fell just short of eclipsing Messi’s all-time single-season mark. Combining his output for Bayern Munich and England across all competitions, including UEFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 World Cup, Kane finished with 73 goals in 2025-26, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 69-goal mark from 2011-12 to move into second place all-time. His final tally was capped in the World Cup round of 16 against Mexico, as he went goalless in subsequent fixtures against Norway, Argentina, and France in the third-place match. As a result, Lionel Messi’s mythical record of 82 goals in 69 total appearances during the 2011-12 season remains intact for another year. Wearing the Barcelona shirt that year, Messi scored 73 club goals across all competitions while adding nine goals in nine appearances for Argentina, setting a benchmark that remains unmatched in modern soccer history.
While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Cristiano Ronaldo is edging closer to his return for Al-Nassr, with Ange Postecoglou increasingly confident about the condition of his captain. While the Portuguese superstar has watched the early stages of the campaign from the sidelines, the latest developments suggest his comeback is progressing exactly as the club hoped. Ronaldo has already returned to training after receiving an extended break following Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign and his wedding to Georgina Rodríguez. The 41-year-old missed the opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and Tuesday’s King’s Cup clash with Al-Diriyah, but his absence has allowed Postecoglou to assess his squad without its biggest star. Al-Nassr began the new campaign impressively, beating Al-Fateh 3-0 before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the King’s Cup. Joao Felix played a starring role against Al-Diriyah, scoring twice, while Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also found the net. Ronaldo was present around the team despite being unavailable for selection. Before the opening league game, he was filmed encouraging his teammates with a passionate message, telling them, “Passion… play, play, play, play, play. First game is always the difficult one.” Chills 🗣️🔥 Ange Postecoglou & Cristiano Ronaldo combined for a huge pre-game rev up before Al Nassr’s first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/B3Sy8Vjurp— Football360.com.au (@football360au) August 18, 2026 Postecoglou has also been careful to avoid rushing his captain back into competitive action. Ronaldo’s return from his post-World Cup break has been accompanied by a special fitness plan designed to build his match sharpness, with the coaching staff focused on making sure he begins the season in the best possible condition. Postecoglou reveals major Ronaldo update After the King’s Cup victory over Al-Diriyah, Postecoglou offered the clearest indication yet that Ronaldo’s return is moving in the right direction. “Ronaldo is working very hard. He had the World Cup, and he’s important to us. He was busier than any other player, and it’s crucial that he starts the season ready,” the Australian said. The Al-Nassr manager added that the Portuguese superstar has already completed a training session and suggested supporters will see him back with the squad soon. “He’s had a training session, and I’m happy. Day by day, you’ll see him soon,” Postecoglou explained, determined to give his captain enough time to regain full match fitness after a demanding summer. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training Will Al-Nassr change its system for Ronaldo? One of the most interesting parts of Postecoglou’s update concerned how Ronaldo will fit into the team’s tactical approach once he returns. Despite the Portuguese forward’s enormous influence, the coach insists that Al-Nassr’s strategy will remain largely unchanged when its captain comes back. “I don’t think we’ll change our strategy with Ronaldo’s return. When he joins the team, we’ll have more room for improvement,” the Australian manager said. That suggests that he believes Ronaldo can be integrated into the structure already taking shape rather than forcing the team to completely reorganize itself around him. That could be encouraging for the veteran forward, especially after Al-Nassr produced two convincing victories without him. The early performances from Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, and Al-Hamdan have given Postecoglou additional attacking options while Ronaldo works his way back.
The club is taking no chances with its captain after his extended summer break, and the latest update suggests supporters may not have to wait much longer to see him back on the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to competitive action with Al-Nassr is beginning to take clearer shape after the Portuguese superstar was handed a carefully managed fitness plan. The club is taking no chances with its captain after his extended summer break, and the latest update suggests supporters may not have to wait much longer to see him back on the pitch. Ronaldo has already returned to training, but Al-Nassr has decided to ease him back into competitive football rather than immediately throw him into the opening fixtures. A special fitness program has now been designed to prepare the 41-year-old for his comeback, with his workload being closely monitored by the club’s fitness staff. The Portuguese forward spent an extended period away from Al-Nassr following Portugal’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup. He subsequently returned to the Saudi club last week after enjoying time away from soccer, including his holiday with Georgina Rodriguez. Although Ronaldo missed the club’s preseason preparations in Lisbon, reports indicate that he maintained a good level of physical condition during his break. That has allowed Al-Nassr’s coaching staff to focus primarily on restoring his match sharpness rather than starting his conditioning work from scratch. The return of the GOAT is more likely than ever!🐐🥵 https://t.co/0mFElPY1dA pic.twitter.com/6zER04pEBD— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 18, 2026 Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that Ronaldo has been placed on a special fitness plan designed by Al-Nassr’s fitness coach to raise his physical levels ahead of his return. Special 90-minute session forms part of comeback plan The latest update came as Ronaldo was scheduled to complete a 90-minute fitness session on Tuesday at Al-Nassr’s training center in Riyadh. The session is part of a tailored program intended to prepare him for competitive action in the coming weeks. Al-Riyadiyah reported that the club’s fitness coach had prepared a special program for the Portuguese star to build his fitness ahead of the upcoming matches. The session comes after Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League match against Al-Fateh, which the club won 3-0. He was also expected to sit out Tuesday’s King’s Cup Round of 32 clash against Al-Diriyah, with the coaching staff continuing to prioritize his gradual return. Cristiano Ronaldo in Al-Nassr training The exact return date is finally taking shape With the Al-Diriyah match effectively serving as another game Ronaldo will miss, attention now turns to Al-Nassr’s next league fixture. Ronaldo is now expected to return against Al-Riyadh on Friday, August 21, assuming he completes the fitness plan without any setbacks. That would give the veteran forward several more days to work on his conditioning before being reintroduced to competitive play. The timing also makes sense for Al-Nassr, which has little reason to rush its biggest star this early in a long campaign. Reports from Al-Riyadiyah also suggest Ronaldo has lost little of his sharpness during his time away from the club, providing further encouragement that his return could arrive sooner rather than later. The special fitness plan is therefore less about rebuilding his physical condition completely and more about making sure he is ready to handle the intensity of a competitive match.
Cristiano Ronaldo indicated this could be his final season as a professional and revealed which sport he'll take up in the future. Cristiano Ronaldo opened up about what could be the final chapter of his professional career in a wide-ranging interview with Vogue. The 41-year-old Portuguese forward didn’t rule out that this campaign with Al Nassr could be his last as a professional. “This is probably my last year of football,” he told the magazine, adding that he wants to leave behind a legacy fitting of his career. Asked about life after football, Ronaldo made clear he already has a plan in place, and that padel will be a central part of it. “I have my future all mapped out… Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one. And also have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned, what we’ve earned,” he said. None of it means Ronaldo is walking away just yet. He missed Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al Fateh on August 15 and also sat out their King’s Cup debut against Al-Diriyah, as he continues working his way back into match fitness after his wedding with Georgina Rodriguez. He’s expected to return for Al Nassr’s Matchday 2 clash with Al Riyadh on August 21, as the club looks to defend their title and secure back-to-back championships for the first time in more than 11 years. Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez are married! For weeks, the internet was awash with speculation—about the date, the location, the guest list. (The rumored celebrity attendees included everyone from Rio Ferdinand to Rihanna.) In the end, the couple’s wedding took place on… pic.twitter.com/uBNOBVteye— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) August 16, 2026 On an individual level, he remains just 24 goals shy of becoming the first player in history to reach 1,000 career goals, giving this potential farewell season no shortage of storylines regardless of how it ends. Ronaldo’s own padel club in Lisbon Ronaldo is far from the only elite athlete drawn to the sport, but few have invested in it quite like he has. In 2024, he acquired 100% of the shares in the Lisboa Racket Club, a premier complex in the Alvalade neighborhood featuring eight tennis courts, seven padel courts and five squash courts, making him the outright owner of one of Lisbon’s top racket-sports venues. Ronaldo isn’t the only star who plays padel Several other big football names have shown a taste for the sport too. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have also been spotted playing padel together in Miami, squaring off in a friendly match that went viral after Suarez lost a bet tied to it. Vinicius Junior has had a padel court installed at his own home, where he regularly plays with several Real Madrid teammates, and former Dutch international Arjen Robben has gone as far as competing in padel professionally since hanging up his boots.
Al Nassr face Al Diriyah today, August 18, in the 2026–27 King Cup of Champions, with the big question on why Cristiano Ronaldo won't play. Al Nassr and Al Diriyah meet in the Round of 32 of the 2026–27 King Cup of Champions, and all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability for this match. After the starting XI was announced, it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will sit out Al Nassr’s match against Al Diriyah. The Portuguese star did not feature in his team’s debut for the 2026–27 Saudi Pro League season either. Head coach Ange Postecoglou has decided to give the 41-year-old rest to regain match fitness following the 2026 World Cup and his recent wedding. Al-Nassr’s confirmed lineup While it is a Round of 32 cup match, Postecoglou deployed a strong starting XI similar to the squad featured in Matchday 1 of the 2026–27 SPL season against Al Fateh. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. Al Nassr confirmed XI (4-3-3): Bento; Salem, Simakan, Alamri, Boushal; Coman, Costa, Angelo; Mane, Felix, Hamdan. Al Diriyah’s confirmed lineup As for Al Diriyah, the start of the season did not go as planned following a home defeat against Al Ahli Saudi. The club is aiming to get back on track in the King Cup of Champions. Al Diriyah confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Vasilj; Al Faraj, Djimsiti, Mbemba, Al Obaid; Gueye, Al Malki; Diandy, Rodriguez, N’Koudou, Laborde.
The league is entering a new financial phase, with clubs becoming more cautious about how much they spend on first-team players while still trying to maintain the star power that has transformed the competition in recent years. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema remain the Saudi Pro League’s two biggest earners, but the spending landscape around them has taken an unexpected turn. The league is entering a new financial phase, with clubs becoming more cautious about how much they spend on first-team players while still trying to maintain the star power that has transformed the competition in recent years. The change is especially striking because the Saudi Pro League built much of its global reputation through enormous investments in internationally renowned players. Ronaldo remains the face of that transformation, while Benzema continues to rank among the competition’s highest-paid stars, yet the latest figures suggest the era of unchecked wage growth is beginning to cool. According to estimates from salary data provider Capology, cited by Saudi newspaper Al-Eqtisadiah, the Saudi Pro League‘s fixed player wage bill has fallen by around 13% for the 2026-27 season. Base salaries are now estimated at approximately $1.11 billion, compared with roughly $1.28 billion last season. When bonuses and other estimated incentives are included, the total wage package stands at around $1.38 billion, down from approximately $1.58 billion previously. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy That represents a substantial reduction for a competition that has spent the past few years aggressively recruiting some of football’s biggest names. The decline reflects a combination of expensive contracts leaving the books and new financial controls designed to encourage more sustainable spending. Ronaldo remains the league’s highest-paid star Despite the overall reduction, Ronaldo remains comfortably at the top of the salary rankings. Capology estimates that the Al-Nassr captain earns approximately $241 million in fixed annual salary, equivalent to roughly $4.6 million per week before bonuses are taken into account. Benzema follows in second place, with an estimated fixed salary of around $142 million per year. Sadio Mane ranks third at approximately $46 million, while Kalidou Koulibaly is next at around $40 million, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Ivan Toney both estimated at roughly $30 million. SPL WAGE BILL DROPS 13% THIS SEASON… 🇸🇦💰Total fixed salaries down to €959.5M — total package including bonuses around €1.2B, per @aleqtisadiah pic.twitter.com/8Jhyz0NdmL— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 17, 2026 These figures are particularly significant because they highlight how much the league’s financial structure still revolves around elite talent. However, the gap between the biggest contracts and the broader spending environment could become more controlled as clubs adapt to the new regulations. New spending rules change the landscape The reduction in wages is closely connected to stricter financial regulations introduced for the new season. Clubs are now limited to spending no more than 75% of their revenue on first-team costs, down from the previous 80% threshold. The remaining portion is intended to support areas such as youth development, infrastructure and other long-term projects. The aim is to ensure that clubs can continue competing at a high level without allowing wage commitments to grow beyond what their revenues can reasonably support. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal during the AFC Champions League Elite. The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment strategy succeeded in raising its profile around the world. Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in 2023 helped trigger a wave of major transfers, with other clubs subsequently attracting players such as Benzema, Mane and Neymar.
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