Cristiano Ronaldo makes first Al Nassr appearance since Portugal’s World Cup exit

Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared with his Al Nassr team-mates for the first time since Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup, attending the Saudi club’s final friendly of their pre-season camp in Lisbon.

Al Nassr faced Spanish side UD Almeria on Tuesday as they completed their preparations in the Portuguese capital ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The club’s official account on X published a video showing Ronaldo greeting Al Nassr’s players before the match and shaking hands with the club’s new Australian manager, Ange Postecoglou. Ronaldo did not take part in training, but chose to be present for the friendly.

It was the first time the Portugal captain had met Al Nassr’s players and Postecoglou since the end of his World Cup campaign on 6 July. Portugal were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the last 16 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ronaldo is the only Al Nassr player yet to return to training following the World Cup, despite almost a month having passed since Portugal’s defeat.

His appearance came four days before his wedding to his partner Georgina Rodriguez. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday on the Portuguese island of Madeira, according to reports published by Portuguese media earlier.

Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January 2023 and helped the club win the Roshn Saudi League last season, ending a seven-year wait for the title. He has also finished as the competition’s leading scorer twice.

The visit to the team offers a first public indication of Ronaldo’s return to the club environment after the international tournament, although he has yet to resume full training with Al Nassr. His presence also allowed him to meet Postecoglou, who has taken charge of the club ahead of the new campaign.

Al Nassr’s meeting with UD Almeria was the final friendly scheduled during their overseas preparations in Lisbon. The club will now turn their focus to the start of the 2026-27 football season, with Ronaldo remaining a central figure in their plans despite his delayed return to training.

The 2026 World Cup ended with Portugal’s narrow defeat by Spain in the knockout stage, bringing Ronaldo’s latest campaign with the national team to a close. Since then, his absence from Al Nassr’s training sessions had made him the only member of the squad yet to rejoin the group.

His attendance at Tuesday’s match, and his greetings with the squad and new manager, marked his first reunion with the club since that World Cup exit.