Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Al Nassr squad for their Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Riyadh, although the Portugal captain will begin the match on the substitutes’ bench.
Al Nassr travel to Al Riyadh on Friday for the second round of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season, with the game taking place at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
Head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed the official Al Nassr line-up before kick-off, with Ronaldo included among the substitutes for the first time this season. The 41-year-old had not featured in either of the club’s opening matches of the campaign.
Al Nassr began their league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Al Fateh, before beating Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup. Ronaldo was absent from both games.
Saudi Arabia striker Abdullah Al-Hamdan continues to lead the attack against Al Riyadh, with Portugal forward Joao Felix alongside him. France winger Kingsley Coman and Senegal international Sadio Mane provide the attacking width.
Postecoglou has also made changes in defence and midfield, with Mohamed Simakan and Portugal midfielder Samu Costa left out of the starting line-up. The coach opted to rest both players to reduce the risk of fatigue during a congested opening period of the season.
Abdulilah Al-Amri replaces Simakan in defence and partners Spain international Inigo Martinez at centre-back. They are supported by full-backs Nawaf Boushal and Salem Al-Najdi.
In midfield, Abdullah Al-Khaibari comes into the side in place of Samu Costa and is named alongside Brazilian player Angelo.
Al Nassr go into the fixture second in the table with three points, having opened the campaign with their 3-0 win against Al Fateh. Al Riyadh are 14th without a point after losing 4-2 to Al Ettifaq in their first match.
The announced Al Nassr squad includes Ronaldo among the substitutes, while the starting line-up features Al-Hamdan and Joao Felix in attack, with Coman and Mane operating on the flanks.
Ronaldo’s return to the matchday squad provides the main talking point for Al Nassr after his absence from the club’s first two competitive fixtures of the new season. His inclusion on the bench leaves open the possibility of an appearance during the match, but Postecoglou has chosen not to start the Portugal captain.
The fixture is Al Nassr’s second Saudi Pro League game of the season and Al Riyadh’s first home league match of the campaign at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.
