Global football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is still in Saudi Arabia despite reports that his luxury private jet left the country during rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Portuguese icon, who currently plays for Al‑Nassr, has reportedly continued training with the club in Riyadh, even after his £61 million private aircraft was spotted landing in Madrid.
The situation created confusion online as many believed the football legend had already left Saudi Arabia following missile and drone attacks targeting the US embassy in Riyadh.
Ronaldo’s Private Jet Flew to Europe But Was He Inside?
Reports confirmed that Ronaldo’s Gulfstream G650 private jet, worth roughly £61 million (₹750 crore), departed Riyadh and flew to Europe.
However, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo or his family were onboard the aircraft.
Despite the speculation, Al-Nassr shared photos of the 41-year-old star training with the squad in Riyadh, suggesting he has not yet left the country.
Ronaldo has been living in the Saudi capital with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children since joining the club in 2023.
Rising Middle East Tensions After Iran Strikes
The situation unfolded amid escalating tensions in the region after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US-linked locations across the Middle East.
One of the reported targets was the US embassy in Riyadh, which triggered security concerns across the region.
The conflict began after coordinated US–Israel airstrikes, prompting Iran to respond with drone and missile attacks.
As a result:
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Several countries issued security alerts
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Foreign nationals started evacuation plans
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Sporting events across the region faced disruption
Saudi Pro League Fixtures Now Uncertain
The growing tensions have also impacted football.
Matches in the Saudi Pro League are now under review, and some fixtures involving Al-Nassr and other clubs could be postponed.
Ronaldo himself was already expected to miss the upcoming match due to a hamstring injury, meaning he would not have been part of the squad regardless of the situation.
Still, the uncertainty surrounding the region has raised concerns about the future schedule of the league.
Sports Events Disrupted Across the Region
The unrest has also affected other sporting events.
During an ATP tennis tournament in the UAE, players were forced to run off the court after a nearby explosion was reported near an oil terminal.
Officials immediately suspended play and moved athletes and staff to secure areas.
The ATP later confirmed that the tournament was cancelled for the remainder of the day as a precaution.
What Happens Next?
For now, Cristiano Ronaldo remains in Riyadh and continues training with Al-Nassr, despite growing uncertainty across the Middle East.
Whether the football icon or other international stars playing in Saudi Arabia will choose to leave the region temporarily remains unclear.
With geopolitical tensions rising and sports events already affected, the coming days could determine how deeply the conflict impacts international football and global sporting events.