Al Nassr are building momentum at exactly the right time. A 3-1 win away at Al-Faisaly on October 23 lifted them to second place in the Saudi Pro League, level on 25 points with leaders Al Qadsiah after ten games played, with Al Hilal a point further back in third. Four consecutive wins since the international break have steadied a ship that looked uncertain earlier in the season, following a heavy 4-0 defeat to UAE side Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite and a league loss to Al Ittihad in matchday five.

The Ronaldo question, though, refuses to go away. The 41-year-old scored against Al-Faisaly but his overall form has been inconsistent, and debate is growing around whether coach Ange Postecoglou should consider using him in a substitute role rather than starting him every week. A missed penalty against Neom last round added to the scrutiny. Former Al Nassr star Youssef Khamis publicly defended Ronaldo, while Saudi media figure Batal Al Qaws suggested the Portuguese star needs to be more open to outside perspectives.

Off the pitch, the club faces a significant structural problem. Sports journalist Abdulaziz Al Muraisi confirmed that Al Nassr's financial oversight restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least the end of the 2026-27 season, making new signings in the January transfer window extremely unlikely. Al Nassr next face Al-Wasl in the AFC Champions League Elite on October 26.