Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence: Great Ronaldo fan club 2025

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 sparked widespread speculation when Al-Nassr kicked off their 2025-26 pre-season with a 5-2 victory over Austrian side SK St. Johann on July 26, 2025, without their talismanic forward. Under new head coach Jorge Jesus, Al-Nassr delivered an impressive performance, but the absence of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner from both the starting lineup and the bench raised questions among fans. Was it an injury, a disciplinary issue, or a strategic move?

Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr Pre-Season Absence 2025: Why Jorge Jesus Left Him Out

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 was not due to injury or discord, but a calculated decision by new head coach Jorge Jesus. Ronaldo, aged 40, had recently rejoined the squad in Austria on July 25, 2025, after an extended post-season break following his international duties with Portugal. Leading the Seleção to the UEFA Nations League title in June 2025, where he scored his 138th international goal in a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Spain, Ronaldo was granted extra recovery time. With only one training session before the St. Johann friendly, Jesus opted to rest him to avoid unnecessary risks in a low-stakes match.

Instead of featuring, Ronaldo participated in a separate evening fitness session alongside senior players Nawaf Al-Aqidi and Ali Al-Hassan, focusing on regaining match sharpness. Jesus’s strategy aligns with a reported plan to manage Ronaldo’s minutes, targeting a 25% reduction in games played to preserve his fitness for the 2025-26 season and Portugal’s 2026 World Cup campaign. Social media posts reflected mixed sentiments, with one fan stating, “Smart move by Jesus to rest CR7,” while another expressed disappointment, saying, “No Ronaldo, no buzz.” The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 underscores a long-term approach to maximize his impact.

Al-Nassr’s Strong Start Without Ronaldo

Despite the Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025, Al-Nassr showcased their depth in a commanding 5-2 win over SK St. Johann, an Austrian third-division side, at their Austria training camp. Jorge Jesus, in his first match since replacing Stefano Pioli on July 14, 2025, fielded a dynamic lineup featuring Sadio Mané, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem, and an own goal by St. Johann. Mané opened the scoring, followed by Ghareeb’s clinical finish, while Simakan and Al-Sulaiheem added power, and an own goal sealed the rout. Al-Nassr overcame an early deficit, signaling Jesus’s tactical imprint—high pressing and quick transitions.

The starting XI included Bento in goal, Awad Aman, Nader Al-Sharari, Mohamed Simakan, Sultan Al-Ghanam in defense, and midfielders Marcelo Brozović, Angelo Gabriel, and Saad Haqawi, with Mané and Wesley Gassova up top. The performance highlighted Al-Nassr’s potential, even without Ronaldo, though fans noted his absence in the attack’s final spark. The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 allowed Jesus to test new signings and young talents, setting the tone for a competitive season.

Jorge Jesus’s Vision for Al-Nassr

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 reflects Jorge Jesus’s broader strategy to transform Al-Nassr into title contenders. The 70-year-old Portuguese coach, who led rivals Al-Hilal to Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup, and Super Cup titles, was personally recruited by Ronaldo, who played a pivotal role in his appointment. Jesus revealed, “Without Cristiano’s invitation, I wouldn’t be here,” emphasizing their shared ambition to win Al-Nassr’s first major trophy since Ronaldo’s arrival in December 2022. Ronaldo welcomed Jesus on social media, posting, “Bem-vindo, Mister Jorge Jesus,” signaling their strong rapport.

Jesus’s plan involves managing Ronaldo’s workload to prevent injuries, especially after the forward played 41 of 50 matches in 2024-25, scoring 35 goals and providing four assists. His approach includes integrating new talents like Joao Felix, reportedly close to a €50 million move from Atlético Madrid, influenced by Ronaldo and Jesus. The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 allowed Jesus to experiment with formations, with Brozović anchoring midfield and Mané leading the attack, while preparing Ronaldo for key fixtures like the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Al Ittihad on August 14, 2025.

Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Journey and Expectations

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 comes amid a transformative period for the Portuguese icon. Since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022, Ronaldo has scored 99 goals in 111 appearances, including 25 in the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season, securing his second consecutive Golden Boot. Despite his prolific form, Al-Nassr finished third, 13 points behind champions Al Ittihad, and lost the King’s Cup final to Al-Hilal on penalties, leaving Ronaldo trophy-less in major competitions. His only title, the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, is considered unofficial.

Ronaldo’s commitment to Al-Nassr remains firm, with a contract extension until 2027 announced in June 2025. His influence extends off the pitch, driving a 30% increase in club merchandise sales and global fan engagement. The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 is a minor hiccup in his quest to win the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite, with Jesus’s arrival raising hopes. Ronaldo’s social media post, “It starts now. Eyes on the future,” signaled his determination, echoed by fans calling him “the greatest celebrity” after Jesus’s praise.

What’s Next for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr?

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 sets the stage for his gradual reintegration. He is expected to debut in Al-Nassr’s next friendly against Toulouse on July 30, 2025, at Untersberg-Arena, followed by matches against Sheffield United (August 2) and Almería (August 10). These games will prepare Al-Nassr for the Saudi Super Cup, where a potential clash with Al Ittihad could mark Ronaldo’s competitive return. The Saudi Pro League season begins on August 22, 2025, against Al Ahli, with Ronaldo targeting his 100th goal for Al-Nassr.

Jesus’s strategy to rest Ronaldo aligns with Portugal’s 2026 World Cup preparations, where coach Carlo Ancelotti expects him to lead. Despite missing the FIFA Club World Cup due to Al-Nassr’s third-place finish, Ronaldo dismissed rumors of a move to Inter Miami or Al-Hilal, affirming, “Nothing will change. Al-Nassr? Yes.” The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 is a tactical pause, ensuring he’s at his peak for a season that could define his Middle East legacy.

Broader Context: Al-Nassr’s Ambitions

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 highlights Al-Nassr’s broader rebuild. Jesus’s appointment, backed by Ronaldo, signals ambition after a trophyless 2024-25 season. The club’s transfer activity, including Felix’s potential arrival and Aymeric Laporte’s possible return to Athletic Club, aims to bolster the squad. Sadio Mané’s goal-scoring form and Brozović’s midfield control suggest depth, but Ronaldo’s leadership remains central. Al-Nassr’s Austria camp, with its rigorous training and fan engagement, has generated buzz, with posts praising Jesus’s “winning mentality.”

The Saudi Pro League’s growing global appeal, fueled by stars like Ronaldo and Neymar, adds pressure to deliver. Al-Nassr’s 5-2 win over St. Johann, despite Ronaldo’s absence, showcased their potential, but challenges lie ahead. The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 is a strategic move to ensure he’s ready to face rivals like Al-Hilal, who defeated Al-Nassr in the 2024 Super Cup and King’s Cup.

Conclusion: A Strategic Rest for Ronaldo

The Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025 was a calculated decision by Jorge Jesus to prioritize the 40-year-old’s long-term fitness over a low-stakes friendly. With Ronaldo set to return against Toulouse, Al-Nassr’s 5-2 win over St. Johann proved their depth, setting an optimistic tone for the 2025-26 season. As Ronaldo aims for his 100th Al-Nassr goal and a first major trophy, Jesus’s management could unlock a new chapter. Will Ronaldo lead Al-Nassr to glory? Share your thoughts on the Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr pre-season absence 2025

From Riyadh to Salzburg — welcomed with open arms 🤝💛#AlNassrInAustria pic.twitter.com/BYT6LeVqmn

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) July 20, 2025

FAQs: Cristiano Ronaldo Al-Nassr Pre-Season Absence 2025

Why was Cristiano Ronaldo absent from Al-Nassr’s pre-season game against St. Johann?
Ronaldo was rested by coach Jorge Jesus due to his late return from Portugal’s UEFA Nations League campaign, with only one training session before the match.
When will Ronaldo play his first pre-season game in 2025?
He is expected to debut against Toulouse on July 30, 2025, at Untersberg-Arena, following additional training sessions.
How did Al-Nassr perform without Ronaldo against St. Johann?
Al-Nassr won 5-2, with goals from Sadio Mané, Abdulrahman Ghareeb, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulmajeed Al-Sulaiheem, and an own goal.
What is Jorge Jesus’s plan for Ronaldo in the 2025-26 season?
Jesus plans to reduce Ronaldo’s playing time by 25% to prevent injuries, ensuring peak performance in key matches.
What are Al-Nassr’s goals for the 2025-26 season?
With Ronaldo and Jesus, Al-Nassr aim to win the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite, ending their title drought.