The all-time leading scorer in soccer history stepped up exactly when his team needed him most. With the match deadlocked at 2–2, the referee awarded a penalty to Al Nassr. Ronaldo made no mistake, firing a powerful strike into the back of the net to restore the lead for the league leaders.

The penalty was just the beginning of Ronaldo’s dominant return to action. Nearly 20 minutes after converting from the spot, the Portuguese star received a pinpoint pass from Kingsley Coman inside the box and unleashed a powerful strike that left the Al Najma goalkeeper with no chance.

With these two goals, Cristiano Ronaldo has now reached 10 strikes in 2026, bringing his total to 23 goals in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season. The Al-Nassr captain is rapidly closing the gap on Julian Quiñones (24 goals) and league leader Ivan Toney (25 goals) in the race for the Golden Boot.

Cristiano Ronaldo closing in on the historic 1,000-goal mark

Cristiano Ronaldo continues to extend his lead as the all-time top scorer in soccer history, with Lionel Messi currently in second place. Following his brace against Al Najma, Ronaldo has reached 967 official career goals, leaving him just 33 strikes away from the unprecedented four-digit milestone.

With his scoring touch firmly intact—having scored six goals in his last five matches—the Al Nassr captain is on a trajectory to potentially become the first player in history to reach 1,000 goals.

Ronaldo nearing first trophy with Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace came exactly when Al Nassr needed it most. With the score deadlocked at 2–2, the captain stepped up as the hero to secure three vital points, keeping his side firmly at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings.

Now sitting on 70 points, Al Nassr hold a six-point lead over rivals Al Hilal (who have a game in hand) as the title race enters its final stretch. This victory brings Ronaldo one step closer to ending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia and securing his first official major title since joining the club in early 2023.

After overcoming a hamstring injury and completing a specialized rehabilitation process in Madrid, Ronaldo will feature in the starting lineup and wear the captain’s armband today at Al Awwal Park.

On Thursday, manager Jorge Jesus provided a positive injury update on the forward, stating that Ronaldo was ready to rejoin group training—a clear sign that he has made a full recovery and is fit for competition.

How many games did Crisitano miss?

Although Cristiano Ronaldo has been out of action since sustaining an injury on February 28, he ultimately missed only two matches with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. During his absence, Jorge Jesus’ side secured crucial victories against Neom and Al Khaleej, allowing the club to maintain its position as the sole leader of the championship.

The limited number of missed club games was due to the March FIFA window falling in the middle of his recovery period. However, the injury did prevent him from representing Portugal, where he was absent for the scoreless draw against Mexico and the 2-0 victory over the United States.

Al Nassr confirmed lineup

In addition to the return of Ronaldo, Al Nassr received a significant boost with Sadio Mane being declared fit for today’s encounter. The Senegalese star has overcome an ankle injury that forced him to miss the club’s most recent victory, ensuring manager Jorge Jesus has his full attacking arsenal available to face Al Najma.

Confirmed lineup to face Al Najma: Bento; Sultan, Simakan, Al Amri, Saad; Brozovic, Angelo, Ghareeb; Mane, Alhamdan, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“We have a training session today, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane are expected to return,” Jorge Jesus stated during the pre-match press conference ahead of Al Nassr’s clash against Al Najma on Friday, April 3.

Ronaldo is set to return after missing his team’s last two Saudi Pro League victories due to a hamstring injury. Mane, meanwhile, only missed the most recent fixture. With their injuries reportedly behind them, Jesus expects both to rejoin group training without further complications.

Al Nassr need Ronaldo and Mane healthy

The returns of Ronaldo and Mane are vital for Al Nassr as the Saudi Pro League enters its final stretch. With only eight matches remaining, Jorge Jesus’ side currently leads the standings with 67 points, holding a narrow three-point advantage over its direct rivals, Al Hilal.

The Portuguese star’s presence is crucial for the Al Nassr attack; he is the team’s top scorer with 21 goals so far this season, having netted eight goals in his last 10 appearances. Having a healthy Mane also provides a massive boost to the Saudi club’s offense.

The Senegalese forward has scored four goals in his last seven appearances, forming a highly dangerous combination alongside Ronaldo and Joao Felix in the frontline.

Ronaldo chasing third consecutive Golden Boot

After securing the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, Ronaldo remains firmly in the hunt to claim the award for a third straight year.

Despite missing his team’s last two matches due to injury, Ronaldo currently sits third in the scoring charts with 21 goals. He trails Julian Quiñones of Al Qadsiah, who has 24 goals, while Ivan Toney of Al Ahli currently leads the race with 25 strikes.

The club released images showing the Portuguese star performing individual drills, a significant milestone in his recovery process. However, according to Arriyadiyah, the coaching staff has already given him the green light to reintegrate into full group training sessions.

Ronaldo’s return appears to be just around the corner and could happen in Al Nassr‘s next fixture. Jorge Jesus’ side is preparing to host Al Najma for Matchday 27 of the Saudi Pro League on April 3, and it is highly probable that Ronaldo will see action in that encounter.

Al Nassr need a healthy Cristiano

The return of Cristiano Ronaldo is vital for Al Nassr as the Saudi Pro League enters its final stretch. With only eight matches remaining, Al Nassr currently lead the table with 67 points, holding a narrow three-point advantage over their direct rivals, Al Hilal.

Despite missing Ronaldo for the last two league matches, Al Nassr secured two crucial victories—a 1-0 win over NEOM and a 5-0 thrashing of Al Khaleej—extending their impressive winning streak to 15 matches across all competitions.

Ronaldo chases first official trophy with Al Nassr

Although it may seem hard to believe, Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to win an official title since joining Al Nassr in late 2022. However, this season presents two major opportunities for him to end that drought.

The first opportunity is in the Saudi Pro League, where Al Nassr currently hold a firm grip on first place. With the title race in their own hands, they are the favorites to be crowned champions of Saudi Arabia.

The second opportunity lies on the international stage in the AFC Champions League Two. Al Nassr have enjoyed a dominant campaign so far, winning every match in the group stage before defeating FK Arkadag in the Round of 16. They are now set to face Al Wasl in the quarterfinals, marking what could be a deep run for Ronaldo and his teammates.

According to Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh, the Saudi club has finalized a friendly match against Al Anwar from the Saudi Second Division, set to take place on Friday, March 27, in Riyadh.

This development suggests the Portuguese forward’s return to the pitch could happen ahead of schedule. While his competitive comeback was originally slated for April 3—when Al Nassr face Al Najma for Matchday 27 of the Saudi Pro League—this upcoming friendly offers Ronaldo the chance to make an appearance several days earlier.

Is there a chance that Ronaldo features in that game?

Ronaldo sustained the injury during Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al Fayha on February 28, with initial medical reports suggesting a four-week recovery timeline in a worst-case scenario.

This puts his potential return right in line with the scheduled friendly against Al Anwar. However, his participation will ultimately depend on the medical staff’s final evaluation and how the captain feels on the day of the match.

If he is deemed fit, there is a strong chance he will feature, as manager Jorge Jesus specifically requested that the front office arrange a friendly during this period to maintain competitive rhythm and give playing time to those not called up by their national teams.

However, with the 2026 World Cup less than 100 days away, the medical staff is under immense pressure to avoid a setback. If there is even a 1% risk of re-injury, they will likely keep the Portuguese star in the stands, pushing his official return back to the April 3 clash against Al Najma.

“After further testing, we have seen that the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo is more serious than expected,” Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus stated during a press conference. He added that the recovery process requires specialized treatment in Spain alongside Ronaldo’s personal therapist.

This marks the second consecutive game Ronaldo will miss since sustaining the injury during a 3-1 victory over Al Fayha, where he was substituted with ten minutes remaining. In their previous outing, Al Nassr managed to secure a 1-0 win against Neom without their captain on the pitch.

While neither the coach nor the club provided a definitive recovery timeline, the Saudi outlet Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported that the forward is expected to return to Saudi Arabia at the end of March after completing the final phase of his recovery in Madrid. This schedule suggests Ronaldo could potentially return for Al Nassr’s match against Al Najma on April 3.

Ronaldo could miss March window with Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is a major doubt for Portugal’s final international camp before the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament less than three months away, manager Roberto Martinez and the Portuguese medical staff are reportedly prioritizing a full recovery over the upcoming friendly fixtures in North America.

Portugal is scheduled to face Mexico on March 28 at the newly renovated Estadio Azteca—a match designated as the stadium’s grand reopening—followed by a clash against the United States in Atlanta on March 31.

While early estimates suggested a 2-to-4-week recovery timeline, the risk of re-aggravation has cast a shadow over his participation in these crucial warm-up games.

What was first thought to be a minor strain has proven to be a more complex recovery process. “After further testing, we have seen that the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo is more serious than expected,” Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus told reporters during a press conference ahead of their upcoming clash with Neom SC.

“Cristiano will now travel to Spain, following the path of other players who have sought specialist treatment abroad,” Jesus added. “His injury requires rehabilitation in Madrid with his personal therapist. We hope he returns quickly to help the team”.

While neither the coach nor the club provided a definitive recovery timeline, it is confirmed that the 41-year-old superstar will be unavailable for Saturday’s Matchday 25 fixture. Reports suggest the Portuguese icon could be sidelined for two to four weeks.

Implications for Portugal’s World Cup warm-ups

The news comes as a significant blow to the Portuguese National Team, who is eager to have its captain at peak fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Portugal had planned to use the late-March international window as a final dress rehearsal in North America.

The Seleção are scheduled to visit the newly renovated Estadio Azteca to face Mexico on March 28, followed by a trip to Atlanta to take on the United States on March 31.

Ronaldo’s participation in these high-profile friendlies is now in serious jeopardy, potentially depriving fans in Mexico and the U.S.—many of whom may not attend the World Cup—of a final chance to see the legendary forward in person before the tournament begins this summer.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the last game against Al Fayha. He started a rehabilitation program and will be under evaluation day by day,” Al Nassr stated in a post on their official X account.

While the specific grade of the strain was not disclosed, the medical staff are expected to monitor his recovery closely to determine his availability for the upcoming fixtures. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, both club and country will be hoping for a swift recovery for the veteran striker.

The length of the rehabilitation process is entirely dependent on the grade of the hamstring strain. Reports indicate that the Al Nassr captain’s injury is not considered severe, suggesting a Grade 1 strain. Consequently, the recovery process is expected to last between one and three weeks.

Al Nassr prioritize Ronaldo’s long-term fitness amid title race

Following their 3-1 victory over Al Fayha—a match in which Cristiano Ronaldo uncharacteristically missed a penalty—Al Nassr have reclaimed the top spot in the Saudi Pro League. They currently sit on 61 points, holding a narrow two-point lead over rivals Al Hilal.

With only ten matches remaining in the domestic campaign, the Riyadh club is prepared to be extremely cautious with its captain. Al Nassr are desperate to avoid any potential setbacks that could jeopardize Ronaldo’s availability for the critical final stretch of the season.

Consequently, if the forward is not at 100% for the upcoming fixture against Neom on Saturday, March 7, manager Jorge Jesus is expected to leave him out of the squad to prioritize his full recovery.

With the opportunity to overtake Al Ahli in the standings with a win, Ronaldo has been confirmed in the starting lineup. Manager Jorge Jesus presents his strongest XI to capitalize on this pivotal moment in the title race.

Al Nassr enter this match with immense momentum, riding an 11-game winning streak during which they have conceded only three goals. Furthermore, they currently share the league lead in scoring with Al Hilal, having netted 62 goals so far this campaign.

In contrast, Al Fayha have struggled for form recently. The hosts sit 12th in the table with 27 points, having managed only two wins in their last five outings. This fixture represents a prime opportunity for Al Nassr to reclaim the league lead and for Ronaldo to continue his pursuit of the historic 1,000-goal milestone; the Portuguese superstar currently sits at 965 career professional goals.

Could the match be suspended?

Concerns have emerged regarding the status of today’s fixture following reports of multiple attacks across the Middle East this Saturday. Significant activity was reported in Tehran, Iran, but of more immediate concern to the league is that Riyadh—the home base of Al Nassr—has also reportedly experienced explosions.

With the security situation now stabilized, the match between Al Fayha and Al Nassr will go ahead as scheduled. League officials and local authorities have confirmed that conditions are safe for the game to be played, ensuring the protection of players, staff, and fans despite the recent concerns in the region.

While the match at Al Majma’ah Sports City is located outside the capital, the logistical and security challenges of traveling from Riyadh have placed the scheduled kickoff under intense scrutiny. However, the Saudi Pro League has confirmed that the game will go ahead as planned.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not play against Arkadag in the AFC Champions League Two, as Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus has decided to rotate the squad and give the veteran forward some rest.

After putting aside his recent strike against the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which saw him miss two Saudi Pro League matches—the all-time leading scorer in soccer history returned to action in Al Nassr’s 2-0 victory over Al Fateh, where he netted the opening goal.

With the win against Al Fateh, Al Nassr currently sit in second place in the SPL with 52 points, just one behind leaders Al Hilal. Consequently, Jorge Jesus is focused on keeping Ronaldo in top form for the domestic tournament, while the AFC Champions League Two has taken a backseat for the striker at this stage.

Managing fitness for the knockout rounds

According to reports from 365Scores Arabic, the decision to sit out continental fixtures is part of a broader agreement between the player and his manager. Ronaldo has reportedly requested a reduced role in the AFC Champions League Two to prioritize his fitness for the high-stakes final stretch of the domestic season and the later knockout rounds of the tournament.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America looming this summer, maintaining peak physical condition is a top priority for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. Ronaldo has appeared in only one continental match so far this season—a 45-minute stint against Al Zawraa SC—as Al Nassr focus their primary resources on catching Al Hilal in the league race.

Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Al Nassr enter today’s match as favorites, holding a 1-0 aggregate lead following a narrow victory in Turkmenistan last week. They are expected to lean on Angelo and Abdullah Al-Hamdan to lead the line and secure their progression, as Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman and Joao Felix will be on the bench.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Ronaldo has been included in the Al Nassr squad and is expected to start and captain the side after a three-match absence.

The 41-year-old had publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with the PIF, alleging unequal treatment and budget allocation among the four major clubs controlled by the fund.

The standoff appears to have reached a resolution after the league’s governing body reportedly met several of the captain’s primary demands regarding club autonomy and management.

Additionally, with the league reportedly considering sanctions for further unexcused absences, Ronaldo rejoined group training this week and traveled with the team to Al Hofuf.

Projected Al Nassr lineup

Al Nassr head into the match with nearly their full array of stars available. Saad Al Nasser remains the most notable absence in defense, while recent signing Haydeer Abdulkareem was not included in the matchday squad.

The projected starting XI for to face Al Fateh: Bento (GK); Sultan Al Ghanam, Mohamed Simakan, Íñigo Martínez, Nawaf Boushal; Marcelo Brozovic, Abdullah Al Khaibari; Kingsley Coman, João Félix, Sadio Mané; Cristiano Ronaldo.