Al Nassr are navigating one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory, with the Cristiano Ronaldo situation casting a long shadow over the club's season. The 41-year-old left the Portugal national camp after being unused as a substitute against Norway in the UEFA Nations League, reportedly walking out without greeting teammates or fans before issuing a statement promising to reveal the truth in due course. Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed Ronaldo left visibly frustrated, and the fallout quickly spread beyond the international stage, with the Portuguese Football Federation working on a plan to reintegrate him into the squad. The episode has intensified speculation about Ronaldo's future at Al Nassr, with reports pointing to declining form since the start of the 2026/27 season adding weight to those rumours.

On the pitch, results have been mixed. Al Nassr suffered a heavy 4-0 loss to Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite in September, a result that sparked debate over whether the club could even claim points from the fixture. They sit third in the Saudi Pro League with 16 points from seven games, level with Al Qadsiah and one point behind leaders Al Ittihad. Joao Felix, another key Portuguese forward at the club, is reportedly planning a return to Barcelona when his contract expires in June 2027, adding further uncertainty to the squad's future shape. Al Nassr host Al Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park on October 9, a match they will need to win to maintain pressure at the top of the table.