Cristiano Ronaldo, a global soccer icon, began preseason with Al-Nassr in Salzburg, Austria, this Thursday, July 25, 2025. The Portuguese star, recently back from extended vacation due to Portugal’s Nations League participation, rejoined the squad and had his first contact with the new coach, Jorge Jesus, a fellow countryman who took over the technical command of the Saudi club at the player’s own request. With his contract renewed until 2027, CR7, at 40 years old, prepares for his 24th professional season, targeting historic milestones such as his thousandth goal and participation in the 2026 World Cup. Ronaldo’s arrival at the Saudi club’s concentration marks the start of a new chapter in his career, under the leadership of an experienced coach and with ambitious goals for the 2025/26 season.
Ronaldo’s return to Al-Nassr comes after a prolonged rest period, granted by the club in recognition of his commitment to the Portuguese national team. Choosing Salzburg as the preseason base reflects the club’s strategy to provide an ideal environment for intensive training. Jorge Jesus, who turned 71 on the same day as the presentation, brings his vast experience to the project, promising to elevate the team’s performance in the Saudi League and international competitions.
- Key highlights of the presentation:
- Ronaldo’s first meeting with Jorge Jesus in technical command.
- Start of training in Salzburg, Austria.
- Focus on preparation for the 2025/26 season.
- CR7’s personal goals, including the thousandth goal.
The upcoming season will be crucial for Al-Nassr, which seeks to consolidate its position in the Asian scene and compete for national titles. Ronaldo, as the main star, is central to this objective.
New cycle with Jorge Jesus
Jorge Jesus, known for his victorious stint at Flamengo, where he won the Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in 2019, arrives at Al-Nassr with the mission to implement an offensive and disciplined playing style. The Portuguese coach was a strategic choice, driven by Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence, who saw in Jesus the necessary experience to lead the Saudi club. The first training under Jesus’s command, held in Salzburg, featured tactical and physical activities, with Ronaldo actively participating.
The coach, in his first statement after taking the position, highlighted the importance of working with a player of Ronaldo’s caliber. The relationship between the two Portuguese is seen as a determining factor for Al-Nassr’s success in the season. The club, which finished the last season in second place in the Saudi League, bets on the duo to reach the top. The preseason in Austria, scheduled to last two weeks, will be essential to align Jesus’s strategies with the squad’s ambitions.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s historic goals
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to defy time and accumulate records. One of the most awaited objectives is reaching the thousandth official goal in his career, a mark that is just 62 goals away. With 99 goals in 111 games for Al-Nassr, the star is close to becoming the first player to reach 100 goals for four different clubs, a feat already achieved with Manchester United (145 goals), Real Madrid (450 goals), and Juventus (101 goals).
- CR7’s impressive numbers:
- 99 goals for Al-Nassr in 111 matches.
- 138 goals for the Portuguese national team in 221 games.
- Historic leader in goals for clubs and national teams.
- Focus on the 2026 World Cup, his sixth participation.
In addition, Ronaldo keeps his focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament represents an opportunity for the player to expand his legacy in international competitions, being one of the few to participate in six editions of the event.
Preparation in Austria
Choosing Salzburg as the preseason stage is not random. The Austrian city offers top-notch infrastructure, with modern training fields and a favorable climate for the athletes’ physical preparation. Al-Nassr has scheduled a series of friendlies in Europe, aiming to test the squad and adjust Jorge Jesus’s tactical system. Ronaldo, known for his dedication, was seen leading exercises and interacting with teammates, reinforcing his role as a reference in the team.
The training in Austria also serves to integrate new players into the squad. Al-Nassr invested in targeted signings for the season, aiming to strengthen the midfield and defense. Ronaldo’s presence, with his experience and leadership, is a differential in the adaptation of the newcomers. The expectation is that the club will arrive at the start of the Saudi League, in August, in full form.
Relationship with the Saudi fans
Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival at Al-Nassr in 2023 transformed the club into a global phenomenon. The Saudi fans, known for their passion, fill the stadiums in the team’s games and maintain a strong presence on social media, following every step of the star. Ronaldo’s presentation in Salzburg generated great repercussions, with videos and photos of the training circulating widely.
The player’s connection with the supporters also reflects off the field. Ronaldo participates in the club’s promotional events and maintains a routine of interaction with the local community, which strengthens his image in the country. The arrival of Jorge Jesus, a coach with international appeal, further raises the fans’ expectations for the season.
Challenges of the 2025/26 season
Al-Nassr will face an intense schedule in the season, with competitions such as the Saudi League, the King’s Cup of Champions, and the Asian Champions League. The rivalry with Al-Hilal, the current national champion, will be one of the highlights of the championship. Jorge Jesus, who has already faced Al-Hilal as a coach, knows the opponent well and plans strategies to overcome it.
- Al-Nassr’s main competitions:
- Saudi League: seeking the title after the runner-up finish.
- King’s Cup of Champions: objective to conquer the trophy.
- Asian Champions League: goal to advance to the final stages.
Ronaldo, with his high goal average, will be a key piece in the club’s campaign. His ability to decide important games is an asset for Al-Nassr, which bets on the combination of talent and experience to achieve the objectives.
CR7’s legacy in world soccer
Cristiano Ronaldo is not just a player, but an icon that transcends the sport. His trajectory, marked by titles at clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, in addition to records for the Portuguese national team, places him as one of the greatest in history. At Al-Nassr, he continues to write important chapters, inspiring young athletes and attracting global attention to Saudi soccer.
At 40 years old, the star maintains a rigorous routine of training and health care, which explains his longevity in the sport. His dedication is an example for his teammates, who see in Ronaldo a natural leader. The 2025/26 season will be another opportunity for the Portuguese to consolidate his legacy, while pursuing historic marks.
Al-Nassr’s strategic partnerships
The Saudi club has invested in partnerships to elevate its status on the international scene. Choosing Jorge Jesus as coach is part of an ambitious project, which includes modernizing the club’s structure and attracting global sponsors. Ronaldo’s presence, with his worldwide influence, facilitates the construction of commercial agreements and increases Al-Nassr’s visibility.
The friendlies scheduled in preseason, including games against European clubs, are an opportunity for the club to position itself in the international market. Al-Nassr’s strategy is clear: use Ronaldo’s charisma and Jesus’s expertise to consolidate the club’s brand beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia.
Expectations for the 2026 World Cup
Although the season with Al-Nassr is the immediate focus, Ronaldo is already planning his participation in the 2026 World Cup. The tournament, which will be the largest in history with 48 teams, represents a milestone in the player’s career. His physical and mental preparation is geared towards arriving at the event in conditions to lead Portugal, the current Nations League champion.
Ronaldo’s experience in major competitions is a differential. He has already scored in four World Cups and seeks to expand this record. The season with Al-Nassr will be crucial to maintain the competitive rhythm necessary for the tournament.
Jorge Jesus’s influence on the project
Jorge Jesus brings to Al-Nassr a resume full of achievements, including national and international titles. His stints at clubs like Benfica, Sporting, and Flamengo demonstrate his ability to adapt to different contexts. At Al-Nassr, he faces the challenge of leading a squad full of stars, with Ronaldo as the main reference.
The Portuguese coach is known for his detailed tactical approach, with emphasis on offensive plays and high pressure. His arrival at the club is seen as a watershed, especially after seasons of inconsistent results. Preseason will be the time to implement his ideas and align the squad with his objectives.