Cristiano Ronaldo expected to feature for Al-Nassr in Saudi Super Cup

Reports that Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the Saudi Super Cup in Kuwait are inaccurate, according to Saudi broadcaster Turki Alajmah.

Ronaldo, the Al-Nassr captain, had been linked with an absence from the competition, prompting frustration among Kuwaiti supporters who were hoping to watch the Portugal forward in action.

However, Alajmah rejected those reports while speaking on The Platform programme on Thmanyah, the broadcaster of the Saudi league.

“Some Kuwaiti news accounts said Ronaldo would not take part in the Saudi Super Cup, but the information we have at this moment is that he will be with Al-Nassr in Kuwait,” he said.

Alajmah added that Ronaldo was enthusiastic about returning to Kuwait, having visited the country previously and wanting to see its supporters again.

“There is also some news that Al-Nassr could hold a training camp for two or three days before the competition starts, in order to meet the fans,” he said.

He concluded: “Therefore, all reports saying Ronaldo will not be present at the Saudi Super Cup are incorrect. He will take part and is excited about it, while the tournament will be one of its best editions.”

The Saudi Super Cup will be played in Kuwait from 19 to 23 December, with four teams involved: Al-Nassr, Al-Kholood, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah.

Al-Ahli will face Al-Qadsiah in the first semi-final on 19 December. The other semi-final, between Al-Nassr and Al-Kholood, will take place the following day. The two winners will meet in the final on 23 December.

Al-Hilal will not participate, despite winning the King’s Cup last season, because of the sanction imposed on the club after it withdrew from the previous edition of the Saudi Super Cup.

This will be the first time the competition has been staged in Kuwait. It has previously been held three times in London, once in Abu Dhabi and once in Hong Kong.

Al-Hilal are the most successful side in the history of the Saudi Super Cup, having won five titles in 2015, 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr have each won the trophy twice. Al-Nassr lifted it in 2019 and 2020, while Al-Ahli are the reigning champions after winning the 2025 edition, in addition to their 2016 triumph.

Al-Ittihad, Al-Fateh and Al-Shabab have each won the competition once, in 2022, 2013 and 2014 respectively.

Ronaldo has made 12 appearances for Al-Nassr in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals without providing an assist.