Al Nassr are building early momentum under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, but questions off the pitch are proving just as prominent as results on it. The defending Saudi Pro League champions beat Al Diriyah 4-1 in the King Cup round of 32, with João Félix scoring twice and Mohamed Simakan and Abdullah Al-Hamdan also on target. That win, combined with their opening league victory, puts them second in the Pro League table with three points from one game, one behind leaders Al Hilal on goal difference.

The bigger conversation surrounds Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, the Portuguese forward was absent for the Al Diriyah match, and Postecoglou has since confirmed he will also miss the league trip to Al Riyadh on August 21. Former Saudi international Ahmed Atif has publicly called for Ronaldo to be moved to the AFC Champions League Elite squad and replaced in domestic competition, reflecting a growing debate about his role. Reports suggest Al Nassr are prepared for the possibility that his career is nearing its end.

Adding to the uncertainty, contract renewal talks with João Félix have stalled. The 26-year-old, signed from Chelsea on a deal running until June 2027, is considered the club's most important player, yet negotiations over an extension have been delayed for reasons unrelated to finances. With Borussia Dortmund also reported to be interested in winger Ângelo Gabriel, Al Nassr face a critical period in which keeping their best players may prove as difficult as winning matches.