Al Nassr enter the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League season as champions, but the defence of their title begins under considerable pressure. The most immediate concern is the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who will miss the club's first two league fixtures after Saudi reports confirmed he is away for his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. Ronaldo has been absent from pre-season training since Portugal's World Cup exit to Spain, and questions about his physical readiness for the new campaign have circulated widely among supporters.

The situation off the pitch adds to the uncertainty. Reports of debts reaching 800 million Saudi riyals had raised fears over the club's ability to strengthen the squad, though Al Nassr did complete the signing of Portuguese midfielder Samu Costa, offering some reassurance to fans. The goalkeeper position remains unresolved. The club wants to move on from Nawaf Al-Aqidi, whose contract situation has been a recurring source of friction, but negotiations over a move to Al Fateh have stalled, with his agent's presence in Lisbon suggesting a resolution may be close.

On the touchline, Ange Postecoglou has taken charge following Jorge Jesus's departure, and early pre-season indicators have not fully convinced observers. Al Nassr finished last season top of the table on 86 points, two ahead of Al Hilal, and the squad's quality remains intact. The season opener at Al-Awwal Park against Al Fateh on August 15 arrives quickly, and doing so without their most prominent player will test the depth and cohesion of Postecoglou's group from the very first game.