Despite being in top form, Ronaldo was unexpectedly removed from the Al Nassr squad by coach Pioli in the King’s Cup match against Al Hazem that took place in the early morning of September 24.
Since the start of the 2024-2025 season, Ronaldo has been the star with the best scoring efficiency in the Al Nassr squad. In all competitions, the Portuguese player has played 6 matches, scored 6 goals and had 2 assists. In the 4th round of the Saudi Pro League that took place last weekend, Ronaldo also contributed 1 goal, helping coach Pioli’s debut become complete when he won 4-0 against Al Ettifaq. Therefore, the Saudi Arabian media predicts that Ronaldo will continue to be used by coach Pioli when Al Nassr meets Al Hazem.
However, the Italian coach removed Ronaldo from the squad for this match. The Al Nassr captain was not even on the reserve list. This is the second time in the 2024-2025 season that Ronaldo has not been named in an official match for Al Nassr. Previously, when Al Nassr drew 1-1 with Al Shorta (Iraq) in the AFC Champions League, Ronaldo did not participate due to a fever.
Ronaldo appeared on the match poster but was not registered
PHOTO: AL NASSR CLUB
According to Al-Jazirah , coach Pioli highly appreciates Ronaldo’s influence at Al Nassr. However, he wants Ronaldo to rest and ensure 100% fitness before Al Nassr’s upcoming important matches in the Saudi Pro League as well as the AFC Champions League, respectively against Al Wehda and Al Rayyan (Qatar). Coach Pioli also believes that, with the current quality, Al Nassr will easily defeat Al Hazem.
But contrary to the 58-year-old coach’s prediction, Al Nassr faced many difficulties without Ronaldo in the squad. Al Nassr’s attack created many opportunities but most of the final shots were inaccurate. Sadio Mane was the most outstanding player in coach Pioli’s squad when he touched the ball in the opponent’s penalty area 8 times and had 5 shots. In the first half’s injury time, Sadio Mane was the one who brought the opening goal for Al Nassr.
In the second half, Al Nassr suddenly lost control of the game. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Yousef Alsayyali equalized 1-1 for Al Hazem. It was not until the 90+2 minute that full-back Nawaf Boushal shone, sealing a 2-1 victory for Al Nassr.
Al Nassr had a hard-fought victory without Ronaldo
PHOTO: AL NASSR CLUB
Ronaldo’s son is in “trouble” because his father is too famous
Speaking on V+Fama TV channel, journalist Adriano Silva Mertens revealed that Ronaldo and his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez are having a headache because they cannot send their children to study at St. Julian’s College. This center is located in Carcavelos near Cascais, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Portugal. St. Julian’s College was founded in 1932 by Jose Francisco da Cruz, a close friend of King D.Jose I. St. Julian’s College has been a symbol of elite Portuguese education for nearly a century.
Ronaldo’s children cannot attend St. Julian’s College
PHOTO: AFP
Adriano Silva Mertens said the reason teachers at St. Julian’s College refused to admit Ronaldo’s child was to protect other students. Many parents of children attending St. Julian’s College asked for privacy and were concerned that things would change if Ronaldo’s child attended because he was too famous.
“They don’t want the school to be in the news all the time. Ronaldo is too famous and this superstar could change the normal operations of St. Julian’s College,” journalist Adriano Silva Mertens stressed.