Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to miss Al Nassr’s first two competitive matches of the 2026-27 season, according to reports in Saudi Arabia, as his return to the club is delayed following his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez.
The Saudi newspaper Al Yaum reported that Ronaldo will be unavailable for Al Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Fateh next Saturday and their meeting with Al-Diriyah in the last 32 of the King’s Cup three days later.
Ronaldo’s absence is reportedly linked to his wedding ceremony with Rodriguez, which is taking place on Saturday. The Portugal forward has not featured for Al Nassr since the end of his country’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Portugal were eliminated by Spain after a 1-0 defeat in the last 16 on 6 July. Under the regulations governing the period between international duty and a player’s return to club football, Ronaldo was expected to report back for training after a 21-day break.
That return did not happen. The 41-year-old also failed to join Al Nassr’s overseas training camp, which concluded on Wednesday.
After the squad returned to Riyadh, Ronaldo remained absent from training. As a result, he has missed every session held during Al Nassr’s 32-day preparation programme, which took place across three cities: the Saudi capital, Abha and Lisbon.
His delayed return means Al Nassr will begin their new campaign without the player who has been central to their recent ambitions. The club are seeking to retain the Saudi Pro League title they won last season, ending a seven-year wait for the championship.
Al Nassr are also targeting a first triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite, adding continental success to their domestic objectives.
The reports do not indicate when Ronaldo will resume training or whether he will be available for Al Nassr’s fixtures immediately after the two matches he is expected to miss. His absence from the opening games will nevertheless leave the club beginning the season without their captain and leading international star.
Al Nassr face Al Fateh in the first round of the Roshn Saudi League next Saturday. Their King’s Cup campaign follows just three days later against Al-Diriyah, giving the club a demanding start to the season while Ronaldo completes his delayed return to competitive football.
