Cristiano Ronaldo’s unconventional start to 2024 with Al Nassr

After missing what was perhaps the most attractive game of the ‘offseason’ for Al Nassr against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to activity with the Riyadh side after overcoming his calf muscle injury.

The Portuguese striker’s return took place in a game which was preceded by a surreal moment as WWE star, The Undertaker took to the field to deliver the Riyadh Seasons Cup trophy to the centre of the field. After wins for both Al Nassr and Al Hilal over Inter Miami, it was a winner takes all game in Riyadh but, once again, Al Hilal had the upper hand and secured the title with a 2-0 win.

This has been an atypical start to the year for the striker with the Saudi Pro League taking a break during the AFC Asian Cup. Al Nassr’s last competitive game came back on 30 December against Al Taawoun and the Portuguese has not played in almost a month and a half. The striker sustained an injury which saw Al Nassr’s tour of China cancelled and now the club embark on a critical stage of the season as they face Al Feiha in the AFC Champions League ahead of their Saudi League restart against Al Fateh. Al Nassr trail unbeaten league leaders Al Hilal by seven points.

Cristiano will be anxious to maintain his prolific scoring record that saw him the most goals in the calendar year of 2023 for club and country, eclipsing the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.

Cristiano has sights set on domestic glory where Al Nassr are battling in the league and have reached the final four of the Saudi King’s Cup. The club has never won the AFC Champions League title and this offers an additional incentive for the striker. On the international front, Portugal are one of the favourites at Euro 2024 which kicks-off in Germany in June and will surely mark Cristiano’s swansong in a major tournament.