+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles

Al Nassr FC

Summary

Al Nassr enter the 2026-27 season as Saudi Pro League champions, but their title defence begins under immediate pressure with Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the opening fixtures. The Portuguese captain officially married Georgina Rodriguez on August 11, confirming earlier reports that his extended post-World Cup break would keep him out of the club's first two league games. Portugal's early exit at the round of 16 to Spain began his summer absence, and questions about his physical readiness for new head coach Ange Postecoglou's project have followed ever since.

Off the pitch, the club's transfer window has been shaped as much by financial constraints as sporting ambition. Reports of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals surfaced publicly, yet Al Nassr still completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa from Real Mallorca. The Saudi Pro League clarified the legal framework that permitted the deal despite the club's recorded financial obligations. In goal, the situation remains unsettled. A move for international keeper Mohammed Al-Owais collapsed, with Al-Hilal securing his return instead. Nawaf Al-Aqidi's future stays unresolved, with Al-Shabab making an offer for him while talks with Al-Fateh have broken down. Raghad Al-Najjar has agreed a contract renewal, giving the squad some stability between the posts.

Postecoglou, who took charge this summer after Jorge Jesus delivered the title, faces his first competitive test on August 15 when Al Fateh visit Al-Awwal Park. Three days later, Al Nassr open their King's Cup campaign against Al-Diriyah. The new season carries real expectation, but Ronaldo's absence and the ongoing goalkeeper uncertainty mean the defending champions head into it carrying more uncertainty than their status demands.

Al Nassr FC Overview

Al-Nassr target Maignan amid Milan tension

Mike Maignan’s long-term future at AC Milan has been cast into significant doubt following reports of the goalkeeper’s growing frustration with the club’s current trajectory. Despite holding the captain’s armband and being a central figure at San Siro, the Frenchman is reportedly considering his options as Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr prepare a move.

Nacho backs Ronaldo to hit 1,000 goals

Cristiano Ronaldo’s relentless pursuit of footballing history has received significant public backing from his long-time former team-mate Nacho Fernandez. The veteran defender, who also plies his trade in Saudi Arabia, believes the Portuguese superstar is destined to reach the elusive 1,000-goal milestone.

‘If Jones can become an actor!’ - Ronaldo backed for Hollywood

Cristiano Ronaldo is being backed to make the move into Hollywood movies once his playing career comes to a close, with Mikael Silvestre telling GOAL that CR7 should have no problem cracking that industry “if Vinnie Jones can become an actor”. There is no indication that the Portuguese GOAT is ready to head for Los Angeles just yet, but a new challenge will be sought at some point in the not too distant future.

Ange Postecoglou Nottingham Forest 2025-26

Embarrassment for Ange as Al-Nassr lose to Benfica B without Ronaldo

Ange Postecoglou's opening game in charge of Al-Nassr ended in embarrassment after the Saudi champions were beaten by Benfica's B team in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Lisbon. The result offered an early test for the Australian coach as he begins building his squad for the new campaign, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing the pre-season opener.

Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi 2026 World Cup Portugal Argentina

Will Messi or Ronaldo grace 2030 World Cup? Future prediction

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have taken in their “last dance” at the World Cup finals, former France international Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL. Two all-time greats featured at the 2026 event, as their evergreen exploits thrill audiences across the globe, but Argentina and Portugal may be without their respective GOATs when the 2030 tournament rolls around.

Ronaldo in ‘different’ MLS franchise to Messi would ‘make sense’

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have never been team-mates, but Mikael Silvestre has told GOAL that it would “make sense” for two GOATs to be kept apart in MLS if CR7 were to join his eternal rival in the United States. There has been talk of a remarkable union being pieced together at Inter Miami, but not everybody is convinced that a couple of iconic figures should grace the same team.