Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images

Is Cristiano Ronaldo Playing Tonight for Al Nassr vs Al Ahli Saudi?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 9:07 AM ET

2026 has arrived, and the first few games of the Saudi Pro League in the new year will be today. One of the games includes an even matchup between Al Ahli and Al Nassr.

It will be the first game of 2026 for both teams, and both teams are in good form ahead of this game. Al Nassr recently drew 2-2 with Al Ettifaq, and Al Ahli defeated Al Fayha 2-0.

With Al Nassr still undefeated in the league, Al Ahli looks to break the undefeated streak tonight at home in the Alinma Bank Stadium at King Abdullah Sport City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The biggest question regarding this match is whether Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo will play the match. Ronaldo would make history, and it would be his 24th year as a professional football player.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - DECEMBER 27: Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al-Nassr FC celebrates scoring their second goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Okhdood at Al Awwal Park on December 27, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images

Ronaldo played in Al Nassr's last two matches in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo scored two goals against Al Akhdoud in Al Nassr's 3-0 home win and then scored one goal in Al Nassr's 2-2 draw with Al Ettifaq.

Ronaldo played two full matches in three days, and with another game today, many wonder if Al Nassr head coach Jorge Jesus will risk him for another match.

Cristiano Ronaldo set to play in Al Ahli vs Al Nassr

Despite Al Nassr playing its third match in less than a week, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to start the match against Al Ahli tonight.

Al Nassr look to maintain in first place of the Saudi Pro League after dropping points in their previous match. Al Nassr is currently only two points ahead of Al Hilal, who are second with 29 points, and three points ahead of Al Taawoun, who are on 28 points.

Ronaldo and Joao Felix are the top goal scorers for Al Nassr and of the Saudi Pro League with 13 goals, and both Portuguese stars are expected to start the match against Al Ahli.

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

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