Al Nassr are building early momentum under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, and the results so far suggest the defending Saudi Pro League champions mean business this season. A 3-0 win over Al Fath in the league opener put them top of the table after matchday one, and a 4-1 King Cup victory over Al Diriyah on August 18 reinforced the sense that this squad can produce without its biggest name.

Cristiano Ronaldo watched both matches from the stands rather than the pitch, and the debate around his future role is growing louder. Former Saudi international Ahmed Atif has publicly called for Ronaldo to be moved to the Asian Champions League Elite squad and removed from the domestic roster, with the club urged to sign a new striker before the transfer window closes. Separately, reports indicate that contract renewal talks with key player João Félix, whose deal runs until June 2027, have been slower than expected, though financial difficulties have been ruled out as the cause.

Off the pitch, the Saudi Ministry of Sport announced that the Public Investment Fund will take full 100 percent ownership of Al Nassr alongside Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli, dissolving the existing non-profit boards. The move marks a significant shift in club governance and has drawn questions about its compatibility with FIFA regulations.

Al Nassr travel to face Al Riyadh at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on August 21 in their second Saudi Pro League fixture, a chance to consolidate top spot early in what promises to be another intense title race.