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Al Nassr FC

Summary

Al Nassr are entering the 2026-27 season as reigning Saudi Pro League champions, but the mood around the club is far from settled. The most pressing concern is Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from pre-season training. Saudi reports confirm he will miss at least the first two league fixtures, having extended his break following Portugal's World Cup exit and his upcoming wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. For a club built so heavily around his presence, the timing is a real concern for new head coach Ange Postecoglou, who took charge this summer after Jorge Jesus delivered last season's title.

The goalkeeper situation is adding to the uncertainty. Al Nassr failed to sign Mohamed Al-Owais, who returned to Al Hilal, and are now navigating a complicated situation involving Nawaf Al-Aqidi. The 26-year-old has attracted interest from Al Shabab, while talks over a new contract have stalled. The club did secure Raghad Al-Najjar on a renewed deal, and reports link them to AC Milan and France international Mike Maignan as a potential high-profile addition.

Financial pressure is a further complication. Reports of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals had raised doubts about the club's ability to recruit, yet Al Nassr still completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samo Costa from Real Mallorca. The Saudi Pro League clarified the legal framework that allowed the deal to proceed despite the club's financial obligations.

On the pitch, Al Nassr beat Damac 4-1 in their most recent league outing. They host Al Fateh on August 15, the first home game of the new season, with Postecoglou looking to establish his identity quickly.

Al Nassr FC Overview

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.