RIYADH (Azat TV) – Speculation mounted on Tuesday regarding football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in Saudi Arabia after his £61 million private jet departed for Madrid, prompting fears he was fleeing escalating regional conflict. However, his club, Al-Nassr, quickly debunked these rumors, confirming Ronaldo remains in Riyadh, albeit sidelined by a hamstring injury.
The dramatic flight of the 41-year-old Portuguese forward’s private jet from Saudi Arabia to the Spanish capital on Monday night fueled widespread online discussion. This came amidst a rapidly intensifying conflict in the Middle East, which has seen Iranian retaliatory strikes following combined attacks by the US and Israel on Iran. Riyadh, where Ronaldo resides with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children, experienced drone attacks, including one targeting the US embassy.
Ronaldo Remains in Riyadh Amid Speculation
Despite the flight tracker details showing Ronaldo’s Bombardier Global Express 6500 jet making the almost seven-hour journey to Madrid, Al-Nassr moved to reassure fans and the public. On Tuesday, the club shared a photograph of Ronaldo at their training ground facilities on X (formerly Twitter), explicitly stating his continued presence. This visual confirmation followed a video released on Monday, showing the forward engaged in gym work.
The departure of Ronaldo’s private aircraft coincided with a US State Department advisory urging American citizens to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks. Thousands of foreign nationals were reportedly attempting to depart the region, with numerous flights destined for Riyadh turning back. This volatile environment contributed significantly to the intensity of the speculation surrounding Ronaldo’s jet.
Hamstring Injury Sidelines Star Player
While his whereabouts were clarified, Al-Nassr also confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is currently unable to play due to a hamstring injury. In a statement on X, the club announced, “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.”
Ronaldo was forced off the pitch during Al-Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Fahya on Saturday. Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus initially downplayed the severity, attributing it to ‘muscular fatigue.’ However, the subsequent diagnosis confirms a more significant issue, raising concerns particularly with the World Cup fast approaching. The club has not provided an exact timeline for his recovery, noting that he will be assessed daily.
Regional Tensions Impact Football Schedule
The escalating violence has had a direct impact on the regional sports calendar. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced the postponement of several key matches, including Al-Nassr’s Asian Champions League Two quarter-final clash against Al-Wasl, which was originally scheduled for March 4. Matches in the West Region of the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Challenge League have also been rescheduled until further notice, prioritizing the safety and security of all participants.
The broader conflict has seen significant developments across the region. Following the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in combined US and Israeli attacks on Iran, Tehran launched retaliatory strikes. These attacks have caused loud explosions in Gulf cities like Dubai, Doha, and Manama, and even in Jerusalem, where Israeli defense systems intercepted missiles. The US Central Command confirmed the destruction of several Iranian military assets, with six US service members reportedly killed and 18 injured in the retaliatory actions.
The incident surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet underscores how swiftly high-profile figures can become entangled in the geopolitical anxieties of a volatile region, even when their personal movements are unrelated to the broader conflict. It also highlights the immediate and tangible impact of escalating tensions on daily life, including the suspension of major sporting events.