Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to temporarily leave Saudi Arabia to undergo treatment after sustaining a hamstring injury amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The 41-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Nassr, sparked speculation earlier in the week when his £61 million private jet departed the country late Monday night. His whereabouts were later clarified after he was photographed with teammates in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo reportedly picked up the injury following Al-Nassr’s 3–1 victory over Al-Fayha last Saturday.
Speaking on Friday, Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed the injury was more serious than initially believed.
“After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected,” Jesus said.
He added that Ronaldo will travel to Madrid for specialised treatment with his personal therapist.
“Cristiano will now travel to Spain, like other players who went for treatment when they were injured. His injury required treatment in Madrid with his personal therapist, and we hope he returns quickly and helps the team,” he said.
Ronaldo lives in Riyadh with his partner Georgina Rodríguez and their five children.
The development comes as tensions escalate across the region. Riyadh has reportedly been targeted by Iran following retaliatory actions linked to attacks involving the United States and Israel.
According to reports, the US embassy in the Saudi capital was struck by two drones overnight on Monday, while Iranian state media claimed that a command and staff building in Bahrain had been destroyed.
Saudi authorities also announced on Friday that their air defence systems intercepted and destroyed three drones east of Riyadh as attacks across the Gulf region continued.
