Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Al-Nassr's Opening Matches After Wedding
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be on the pitch when Al-Nassr launch their title defence. He will be on honeymoon instead.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Yaum, the Portuguese star is set to miss Al-Nassr’s first two competitive fixtures of the 2026–2027 season: the Roshn League opener against Al-Fateh next Saturday and the King’s Cup round-of-32 tie against Al-Diriyah three days later.
The reason is off the field and deeply personal. The report states that Ronaldo tied the knot with long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez on Saturday, and will be absent while he marks the occasion.
A 32-Day Void
Ronaldo has not been seen in Al-Nassr colours since Portugal’s 2026 World Cup exit. His national team campaign ended on 6 July in the United States, Canada and Mexico, when Spain knocked Portugal out in the round of 16 with a single goal.
From that moment, the clock started ticking. Players are entitled to a 21-day legal rest period after World Cup duty. By that measure, Al-Nassr expected their captain back in training once that window closed.
He never walked through the door.
Ronaldo skipped the overseas training camp that concluded last Wednesday and has not joined any of the sessions held across the three locations where Al-Nassr prepared for the new season: Riyadh, Abha and Lisbon. His absence has now stretched to 32 days, a growing gap for a team built so heavily around his presence and influence.
Champions Without Their Standard-Bearer
The timing is delicate. Al-Nassr enter the new campaign with momentum and expectation. They finally snapped a seven-year wait for the Saudi League title last season and are chasing back-to-back championships under Ronaldo’s leadership.
They also have continental ambitions. The club are targeting a first-ever AFC Champions League Elite crown, a trophy that would underline their transformation from domestic contender to regional powerhouse.
All of that begins without their biggest name.
Al-Fateh in the league, Al-Diriyah in the cup: on paper, manageable hurdles. In reality, they are the opening steps of a season in which every point and every performance will be scrutinised. Ronaldo’s absence turns those early fixtures into a test of Al-Nassr’s depth and mentality.
The goals, the aura, the standards he sets in the dressing room — Al-Nassr must find them elsewhere for at least two games.
The captain will return. The question is simple and sharp: when he does, will Al-Nassr still be perfectly in stride in their pursuit of another title and a first taste of Asian glory?
