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Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Faizan Mirza | Last updated Sep 12, 2026 11:45 AM ET

Al-Khaleej will face Al-Nassr in a Saudi Pro League clash on Saturday, September 12, and Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be the star of the visitors’ attack at the Prince Mohammed bin Fahd Stadium.

Ronaldo has already made a significant mark in the first few weeks of the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese superstar missed Al-Nassr’s first two games, but came on as a late addition to Al-Nassr’s ranks to make his appearance in the second half of the match. He also became the top scorer in Al-Nassr’s history in the Saudi Pro League with 104 goals.

Al-Khaleej vs. Al-Nassr Lineups and Confirmed Team News

Al-Khaleej are likely to be playing a 4-4-2 system, based on the latest team news and recent lineups.

Al-Khaleej possible starting lineup: Moris; Al Hamsal, Kouyaté, Khubrani, Rebocho; Mascarell, Crespo, Kanabah, Fulgini; Al Saadi, Al Khaibri

Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC during the Saudi Pro League game between Al Riyadh and Al Nassr at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on August 21, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images

Al-Nassr may also be set up in a 4-4-2, with Bento in goal and Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Iñigo Martínez and Saad Al-Najdi in defense. Samu Costa and Abdullah Al-Khaibari might be the two midfielders to look at, with Ângelo and Sadio Mané on the wings to support Ronaldo and João Félix. Abdullah Al-Hamdan has also been included in the attacking unit in recent team selections.

Al-Nassr possible starting lineup: Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Martínez, Al-Najdi; Costa, Al-Khaibari; Ângelo, João Félix, Mané; Ronaldo

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight?

Yes, Ronaldo will be expected to feature in the match against Al-Khaleej, unless Ange Postecoglou changes his plans at the last minute.

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He netted in Al-Nassr’s last league win over Abha, which made it the first time the club has scored in 93 consecutive league games, a feat that River Plate has achieved. If Al-Khaleej prevents them from scoring, Al-Nassr’s streak will come to an end.

Ronaldo’s workload is something to watch. The 41-year-old was given time to recover after a hectic offseason, which is why he came back as a substitute, Postecoglou said earlier. He has since returned to the starting lineup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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