As the FIFA World Cup draws ever closer, Portugal faces a serious concern over the fitness of its captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old forward, set to appear in a record sixth World Cup, has suffered a hamstring injury that is reportedly more severe than initially believed. The news was confirmed by Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus on Friday, sending a wave of unease through fans and the Portuguese camp.
Ronaldo sustained the injury during Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League last week. He was forced to leave the pitch early and has since travelled to Madrid to receive specialised treatment.
Speaking before Al Nassr’s home match against Neom SC on Saturday, Jorge Jesus provided an update:
“Cristiano left the previous match due to a muscle injury. After thorough medical examinations, it has become clear that the injury is more serious than we initially anticipated. He will need rest and treatment, which he will undertake in Spain under the supervision of his personal physiotherapist. This is standard procedure, as any player in his condition would require.”
Although no specific return date has been confirmed, there is hope that Ronaldo will regain full fitness in time for Portugal’s international friendlies at the end of March. The national team is scheduled to face Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on 28 March, followed by a match against the United States in Atlanta on 31 March.
Despite the injury setback, Ronaldo remains one of the top performers in the Saudi Pro League. He currently ranks third in the league’s top scorers’ chart with 21 goals, trailing only Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney, who leads with 24 goals. Al Nassr, meanwhile, has slipped from the top of the league table, now sitting one point behind Al Ahli.
Saudi Pro League Top Scorers – 2026 Season
| Rank | Player | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivan Toney | Al Ahli | 24 |
| 2 | Player X | Club Y | 22 |
| 3 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Al Nassr | 21 |
Ronaldo’s injury is a major concern for Portugal, whose hopes for a deep World Cup run heavily rely on their captain’s experience and goal-scoring prowess. At 41, the veteran striker faces the dual challenge of recovery and maintaining peak performance, but his treatment in Spain is aimed at ensuring he can once again lead his national team with his trademark skill and determination.