Al Nassr have made a perfect start to their Saudi Pro League title defence, winning both opening fixtures and sitting first in the table after two rounds. The most emphatic statement came on August 21, when Ange Postecoglou's side dismantled Al Riyadh 4-0, with goals from Abdulilah Al-Amri, Angelo Gabriel, Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo confirming the defending champions' early intent. That result, combined with their opening win over Al Fath, leaves them level on six points with Al Hilal but ahead on goal difference.

Ronaldo's return was the headline moment. The Portuguese star had not played since Portugal's World Cup exit against Spain on July 6, missing time through a post-tournament break and his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. Back on the pitch, he scored and looked sharp, moving to 977 career goals across clubs and country. The milestone of 1,000 career goals is now firmly in sight, with analysts estimating he needs around 23 more, potentially arriving before the end of this season.

Off the pitch, the picture is more complicated. Reports of a financial crisis at the club have gathered pace, with debts cited at 800 million Saudi riyals linked in part to Ronaldo's scheduled payments. The Saudi financial oversight committee has already rejected the club's request to renew contracts for youth-team players, and questions have been raised about the eligibility of summer signing Samo Costa. Rumours of a Sadio Mane departure have also circulated. Al Nassr travel to Al-Ettifaq on August 25 looking to make it three wins from three, but the financial pressure building behind the scenes will not ease quickly.