Former Saudi Arabia international Ahmed Otaif has warned Al-Nassr not to start Cristiano Ronaldo in their upcoming fixtures, claiming that the 41-year-old’s physical and technical levels have declined. Otaif also believes that the Knights of Najd play with 10 players when Ronaldo is on the pitch due to his lack of pressing.
Ronaldo has excelled at Al-Nassr over the past three years, recording 124 goals and 24 assists in 143 appearances across all competitions. He also played an integral role in their Saudi Pro League title triumph last season.
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After representing Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and marrying Georgina Rodriguez over the summer, Cristiano Ronaldo was handed extra time to recover. Due to this, he missed the Knights of Najd’s opening two games of the season.
Ronaldo recently made his return to Riyadh, coming off the bench in the 62nd minute against Al-Riyadh. The Portugal ace scored in the 83rd minute, helping his side secure an emphatic 4-0 win in their league clash on August 21.
Despite this, Otaif warned Ange Postecoglou and Co. on the Our League is Different program (via Kooora):
“Ronaldo’s technical and physical level has declined significantly, and including him as a starter, especially in major matches against Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal and Al-Qadisiyah, will cause Al-Nassr to lose. Al-Nassr needs to apply pressure and close down spaces against strong clubs, and Ronaldo can no longer do these things, so Al-Nassr plays with only 10 players.”
Ahmed Otaif has plenty of expertise in the Saudi Pro League, having led Al-Shabab to 9 titles during his tenure at the club between 2001 and 2018.
“He did everything possible” – Al-Nassr boss praises Cristiano Ronaldo following 4-0 win over Al-Riyadh
Ange Postecoglou has waxed lyrical about Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored on his return during their 4-0 win over Al-Riyadh. The Knights of Najd dominated the game, with Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo Gabriel, Joao Felix, and Ronaldo scoring one goal apiece.
During the post-match press conference, Postecoglou said (via GOAL):
“Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period. It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible.”
Ronaldo will aim to return to the starting XI during his side’s next fixture against Al-Ettifaq on August 25.
Edited by Silas Sud