Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to depart Saudi Arabia once more, this time due to a significant injury, while the Middle East grapples with escalating regional tensions. The 41-year-old football star's planned exit coincides with a period of heightened security risks, as Iran has launched missile attacks targeting Riyadh, the capital where Ronaldo resides with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children.
Injury Forces Medical Evacuation to Spain
Following Al-Nassr's 3-1 victory over Al-Fayha last Saturday, Ronaldo sustained a hamstring injury that has proven more severe than initially anticipated. Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus confirmed on Friday that after medical assessments, the decision was made for Ronaldo to travel to Spain for specialised treatment with his personal therapist in Madrid.
'Cristiano will now travel to Spain, like other players who went for treatment when they were injured,' Jesus stated. 'His injury required treatment in Madrid, and we hope he returns quickly and helps the team.'
Security Concerns in Riyadh
The timing of Ronaldo's departure comes as Saudi Arabia faces direct security threats. Iranian forces have targeted Riyadh with drones and missiles in retaliation for attacks by the United States and Israel that began over the weekend. On Friday alone, Saudi authorities reported destroying three drones east of the capital.
Additional incidents include the US embassy in Riyadh being struck by two drones overnight on Monday, while Iranian state media claimed destruction of a command building in Bahrain. These developments have prompted the US State Department to advise American citizens to evacuate from numerous Middle Eastern countries due to safety risks.
Private Jet Movements and Luxury Travel
Confusion arose earlier this week when Ronaldo's £61 million Bombardier Global Express private jet departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid during Monday night. Flight tracking data revealed the nearly seven-hour journey that passed over Egypt and the Mediterranean before arriving in Spain at approximately 1am local time.
Despite the aircraft's movement, Ronaldo remained in Saudi Arabia at that time, as confirmed by photographs showing him with teammates. The footballer, who earns an astonishing £488,000 daily with Al-Nassr, recently upgraded his private aviation, having sold his Gulfstream G200 in 2024 to acquire the new Bombardier Global Express 6500.
Luxury Specifications and Regional Exodus
The all-black jet accommodates up to fifteen passengers and features multiple luxury compartments including:
- A spacious seating area with tables and sofas
- A private suite complete with double bed
- A separate shower facility for maximum comfort
Ronaldo's planned medical evacuation reflects a broader trend of foreign nationals departing the Middle East amid the deteriorating security situation. With the World Cup approaching, concerns now focus on the severity of Ronaldo's muscle injury and his recovery timeline, as well as the ongoing regional instability affecting international residents in Saudi Arabia.
