Al Nassr Star Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Long Break Due to FIFA Calendar

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Cristiano Ronaldo

, the 40-year-old Portuguese icon, is set to take a significant break from competitive action due to the upcoming FIFA calendar. The Al Nassr star’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, December 27, when his team hosts Al Okhood in Matchday 11 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League.
However, Ronaldo is unlikely to feature in Al Nassr’s upcoming match against Al Zawraa in the AFC Champions League Two on December 24. This is because he has not been called up to play in the competition so far this season. The veteran forward will instead focus on his return to the Portugal national team during the March international break.

Portugal Return and World Cup Ambitions

Ronaldo’s suspension has been lifted ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and he is expected to be available for selection for Portugal’s two friendlies, one of which is reportedly set to be against the USMNT. The Portuguese icon has been in impressive form this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 2 assists in 12 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers for Portugal.
With the World Cup set to take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo will be determined to arrive at the tournament in top form. His stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej has been a highlight of his season, and he will look to build on this momentum in the coming months.

Long Break Ahead

Ronaldo and his Al Nassr teammates will endure a 24-day gap without competitive action due to the upcoming FIFA competition schedule. The Qatar-hosted FIFA Arab Cup will take place from December 1 to 18, and several Saudi Pro League players, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, will be involved.
As a result, clubs, including Al Nassr, will be unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament. Local reports suggest that Al Nassr’s players will receive nine days of rest before beginning training at the club’s new first-team facility, developed in partnership with King Saud University.

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