Saudi Al-Nasr club nutritionist Jose Blesa discussed the changes in the squad after the arrival of Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The remarks were reported by Sports Keeda.
Since Ronaldo joined the club, observers have noted a marked shift in training intensity and dietary discipline among the players. According to Blesa, the entire squad has embraced a more rigorous approach to conditioning, with athletes training harder and adhering to a stricter nutrition plan. He described a consistent pattern of improvement in body composition, noting that players have been reducing body fat while increasing lean muscle mass. In his view, the environment surrounding the team now supports precise progress tracking and timely execution of prescribed routines, which has translated into tangible changes in performance metrics on the field.
Ronaldo, now 37 years old, remained without a club for a period after his contract with Manchester United ended in late 2022 following a controversial interview in which he criticized the coaching staff, management, and club policies. His decision to pursue opportunities abroad culminated in a move to Al-Nasr on January 2, with a contract reported to be highly lucrative. The deal reportedly includes an annual remuneration in the vicinity of 200 million euros, underscoring Ronaldo’s continued market value and the willingness of clubs in the region to invest in a player of his profile. Additional bonus arrangements were also mentioned, with incentives described as benefiting Ronaldo and his family, reflecting the broader package often associated with high-profile signings in the region.
In related commentary, Carsten Kramer, who previously served as general manager at Borussia Dortmund, explained the reasoning behind the club’s decision not to pursue Ronaldo at a prior stage. Kramer articulated that several strategic considerations weighed against the signing, including long-term squad balance, financial planning, and the potential impact on the club’s playing style and development pathway. While the potential appeal of adding a player of Ronaldo’s caliber is evident, clubs must weigh immediate competitive benefits against longer-term strategic goals, a calculus that influenced Dortmund’s leadership decisions during that period.
As Ronaldo settled into his role with Al-Nasr, analysts and fans alike have observed a broader shift in the club’s approach to player development, nutrition, and performance culture. The investment in nutrition and conditioning staff, combined with high-profile leadership on and off the pitch, has contributed to a narrative of renewed ambition. Supporters look for sustained improvements across the squad, including faster recovery times, more explosive sprint performance, and sharper tactical execution during matches. Throughout this transition, the coaching staff emphasizes disciplined routines, individualized training plans, and data-driven monitoring to ensure steady progress while protecting player health.
Al-Nasr’s strategy mirrors a growing trend among top clubs in the region, where the convergence of elite talent, advanced sports science, and robust financial backing creates a climate for rapid transformation. Ronaldo’s presence is often cited as a catalyst for elevating training standards, attracting additional attention from sponsors, and increasing fan engagement both locally and internationally. While the immediate impact is assessed through match results and fitness indicators, long-term outcomes will likely center on sustaining a high level of performance, developing younger players, and maintaining competitive consistency across competitions.
Thus, the period following Ronaldo’s introduction to Al-Nasr has been characterized by a combination of heightened discipline, strategic resource allocation, and an intensified focus on physical conditioning. The club appears to be pursuing a holistic model that aligns athletic excellence with sustainable development, aiming to translate a superstar signing into broad organizational benefits that extend beyond the field. The evolving storyline continues to captivate observers who are watching closely to see how this high-profile partnership will influence the club’s trajectory in domestic leagues and international tournaments.