Al Nassr are building early momentum under new head coach Ange Postecoglu, and the results so far suggest the defending Saudi Pro League champions are not short of firepower even without Cristiano Ronaldo. A 4-1 King Cup victory over Al Diriyah on August 18 followed a 3-0 Saudi Pro League opening win against Al Fath, giving the club back-to-back convincing results to begin the 2026-27 season. Joao Felix scored twice against Al Diriyah, with Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al Hamdan also on the scoresheet, underlining the squad's depth in attack.

Ronaldo's absence from both matches has drawn attention, and the situation carries longer-term significance. The Portuguese captain has hinted this season will be his last as a professional, and some voices in Saudi football are calling for the club to move him to the AFC Champions League Elite squad rather than use him in domestic competition, with a new striker potentially recruited before the transfer window closes on September 6. His contract renewal with Al Nassr has also been delayed, though reports suggest financial difficulties are not the reason.

Postecoglu, who replaced Jorge Jesus in the summer, has spoken publicly about fixture congestion, a comment that drew pushback given other clubs face similar schedules. Al Nassr sit top of the Saudi Pro League after one game and face Al Riyadh at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on August 21, a match that offers another chance to press their title defence before the international break.