Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature for Al-Nasr in the upcoming match due to the league’s foreign-player cap, a restriction that has reshaped the squad’s plans for the short term. The Saudi Pro League allows eight foreign players to participate in a single match, and Ronaldo’s arrival as the ninth foreigner has triggered a review of the roster. Club insiders confirmed the situation to AFP, noting that resolving the balance of foreign players is a priority as the season continues. The adjustment process involves delicate negotiations as talks with some non-local players progress toward mutual agreements, contracts termination, or potential transfers, with officials stressing that discussions are ongoing and far from being finalized. [AFP]
Ronaldo joined Al-Nasr on January 2 under a multi-year deal reported to be worth around €200 million per year, marking a high-profile milestone for the club’s ambitions in domestic and continental competitions. The player’s formal introduction was carried out with ceremonies designed to showcase the new era in the club’s history, and details of the contract highlighted additional benefits tied to Ronaldo’s family life. Beyond a luxurious living arrangement, the club reportedly arranged for housing in a premium mansion and other lifestyle provisions, including arrangements to facilitate travel with a private plane for trips to Portugal and Spain, alongside support aimed at meeting his family’s personal needs and comfort. [AFP]
In a move linked to Ronaldo’s arrival, Al-Nasr requested a change in squad numbers, with Uzbek forward Jaloliddin Masharipov relinquishing the seventh-match number to accommodate the Portuguese superstar, underscoring the immediate impact of the transfer on team dynamics and identity. The adjustment reflects the high-profile nature of the signing and the level of attention it has drawn from fans, media, and club staff as preparations for the season continue. [AFP]
Georgina Rodriguez, who was previously identified as Ronaldo’s fiancée, attended the official ceremony celebrating the signing, offering thanks to Al-Nasr for its efforts and hospitality. The event was framed as a pivotal moment for the club, signaling its intent to compete at the highest level and to leverage Ronaldo’s experience and market appeal to boost both sporting performance and international visibility. [AFP]
As the league schedule unfolds, Al-Nasr faces the practical challenge of integrating Ronaldo within the foreign-player limit while maintaining competitive depth across all positions. The club’s leadership has shown patience with the process, balancing strategic roster decisions with the need to maximize Ronaldo’s availability and impact on key fixtures. The broader implications extend beyond immediate matches, touching sponsorship, fan engagement, and potential pathways for additional signings or reconfigurations that could arise if foreign-player limits tighten further or if the squad requires further reinforcement for domestic and regional competitions. [AFP]