Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Al-Nassr Friendly Against Almeria
Cristiano Ronaldo will be absent when Al-Nassr faces Almeria in a preseason friendly, raising questions among fans about his return to action. This match is particularly noteworthy due to Ronaldo's connection with Almeria, making his absence more significant ahead of the new season.
The friendly is set to take place at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, serving as a crucial test for both teams. Al-Nassr, under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, is finalizing its preparations, while Almeria is enhancing its squad for the upcoming Segunda Division season.
Almeria has been building momentum during its preseason, with recent matches against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis contributing to improved fitness and the implementation of a possession-based style under manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr has had mixed results in its training camp, losing to Benfica B and Estrela Amadora but winning against Merida.
Ronaldo's absence is attributed to an extended recovery period following Portugal's participation in the 2026 World Cup, and reports indicate that this decision is not related to injury. He is expected to return after Al-Nassr's preseason camp concludes on August 5, just before the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. Although he won't play, Ronaldo is anticipated to attend the match from the VIP section, alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, reflecting his ongoing connection to Almeria, where he acquired a 25 percent ownership stake earlier this year.