Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to return to training with Al-Nassr following an extended break granted after representing Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where his national team exited in the Round of 16 against Spain.
The Al-Nassr captain missed the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal—which kicked off on July 19—leaving new head coach Ange Postecoglou to begin pre-season preparations without his talismanic star.
When Will Ronaldo Return to Al-Nassr Training?
According to Saudi media reports, Ronaldo will not join Al-Nassr’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, he is scheduled to resume group training only after the squad returns home to the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
With the Lisbon training camp concluding on August 5—followed by a brief rest period for the team—Ronaldo’s return to full training is expected roughly one week before the new Saudi Pro League season gets underway.
Although the 41-year-old superstar was originally expected to report to camp after completing his mandatory 21-day holiday following Portugal’s World Cup exit on July 6, Al-Nassr’s technical staff agreed to extend his vacation and bypass calling him up for the Lisbon leg.
Al-Nassr Drop First Two Pre-Season Friendlies Without Ronaldo
Al-Nassr’s pre-season preparations got off to a difficult start without their captain, opening with a 2-1 defeat against Benfica B in a closed-doors friendly played over two 30-minute halves.
The club suffered a second defeat on July 28, falling 2-0 to Spanish side Mérida, leaving the team winless in their overseas camp so far.
Al-Nassr will continue their pre-season schedule against Portuguese club Estrela da Amadora on August 1, before wrapping up their friendly matches against Spain’s Almería on August 4.
Al-Nassr’s first official match of the new campaign takes place on August 15 against Al-Fateh in the opening round of the Saudi Pro League. Consequently, Ronaldo will have a short window to regain match fitness before leading the reigning champions’ attack.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record With Al-Nassr
Ronaldo signed for Al-Nassr in January 2023 following his departure from Manchester United, rapidly establishing himself as the chief goalscorer and figurehead of the Saudi club’s sporting project.
The Portuguese legend has registered 146 appearances for Al-Nassr across all competitions, scoring 127 goals and providing 23 assists—averaging nearly one goal contribution per game.
Ronaldo led Al-Nassr to the King Salman Club Cup (Arab Club Champions Cup) title in 2023 before helping the team capture the Saudi Pro League title last season, where he tallied 26 goals in 29 matches to demonstrate his enduring quality.
