Ronaldo option from bench as Al Nassr visit Al Riyadh

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Al Nassr matchday squad for the first time this season, with the club captain named among the substitutes for Friday’s Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Riyadh.

Al Nassr travel to Al Riyadh for the second round of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League, with the match taking place at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou confirmed the line-up before kick-off, including Ronaldo on the bench. It is the first time the Portugal forward has been included in the squad this season after missing Al Nassr’s opening two fixtures.

The Saudi side began their league campaign with a 3-0 victory over Al Fateh before overcoming Al-Diriyah 4-1 in the round of 32 of the King’s Cup. Ronaldo was absent from both matches.

Saudi Arabia forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan again leads the attack, with Portugal international Joao Felix starting alongside him. They are supported from the wings by France winger Kingsley Coman and Senegal captain Sadio Mane.

Postecoglou has opted to rest France defender Mohamed Simakan and Portugal midfielder Samo Costa as he manages the workload of his squad during a busy opening period of the season.

Abdulelah Al-Amri replaces Simakan in defence and starts alongside Spain international Inigo Martinez. The pair will be supported by full-backs Nawaf Boushal and Salem Al-Najdi.

In midfield, Abdullah Al-Khaibari takes Costa’s place and lines up next to Brazilian player Angelo.

Al Nassr started the weekend second in the Saudi Pro League table with three points, following their victory against Al Fateh in the opening round. Al Riyadh are 14th without a point after losing 4-2 to Al Ettifaq in their first match.

Ronaldo’s inclusion provides Al Nassr with an experienced attacking option should Postecoglou decide to introduce him during the game, although the Portugal captain is not part of the starting XI.

Al Nassr’s starting line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Not specified in the announced details.

Defence: Nawaf Boushal, Inigo Martinez, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Salem Al-Najdi.

Midfield: Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Angelo.

Attack: Kingsley Coman, Sadio Mane, Joao Felix, Abdullah Al-Hamdan.

The club published its official squad list ahead of the fixture and offered its players best wishes for the match.