Al Nassr enter the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season as champions, but the build-up has been anything but smooth, with Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed absent for the club's first two fixtures. Saudi reports indicate the forward will miss the opening games due to his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez, having taken an extended break after Portugal's World Cup exit at the last-16 stage. Questions about his physical readiness for the new campaign under Ange Postecoglou are already circulating among supporters.

Postecoglou himself is a significant talking point. The Australian replaced Jorge Jesus, the coach widely credited with ending Al Nassr's seven-year wait for the title last season, and early pre-season signs have not fully convinced fans that the transition will be seamless. The club finished the previous campaign on 86 points, two ahead of Al Hilal, and face the challenge of defending that margin with a new manager still finding his footing.

Off the pitch, financial pressures continue to cast a shadow. Unconfirmed reports put the club's debts at 800 million Saudi riyals, though Al Nassr did complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa despite those concerns. Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi remains a separate headache, with contract renewal talks having broken down and his future now pointing away from the club. Al Nassr host Al Fateh on August 15 in their opening league fixture, a game that will test the squad's readiness without their most recognisable player.