Cristiano Ronaldo
January 2026
Al-Nassr won 1-0 to stay in the title race and Ronaldo posted a focus message despite not scoring, with the gap to leaders Al-Hilal down to five points after 17 games. The match was decided by an own goal, with Al-Nassr controlling the game and Ronaldo emphasizing concentration and incremental progress in a social media post.
Karim Benzema
January 2026
Planes said he expects Benzema to extend beyond his June 2026 contract, despite mixed reports and Benzema’s own non-committal stance. Planes claimed Benzema wants to stay for the “serious project” and strong squad. Benzema previously said he is focused on football with six months left and left contract decisions to others.
Cristiano Ronaldo
January 2026
Al-Nassr fell four points off the top after losing 2-1 to Al Qadsiah, despite Ronaldo scoring a penalty, increasing pressure on their title chase. Ronaldo framed the slump as normal in football, urged professionalism and belief, and posted that the fight is not over, insisting Al-Nassr will keep pushing for trophies.
Joao Felix
January 2026
Joao Felix said Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence and professionalism have helped make him a better player at Al-Nassr, calling him a unique talent and a daily example. Felix pointed to Ronaldo’s work rate, dedication, and performance level at age 40 as a benchmark that lifts the squad’s professionalism and motivation, as Al-Nassr chase trophies and Felix matches Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race.
Steven Gerrard
December 2025
Steven Gerrard has admitted he rejected what he called the “perfect” chance to return as Rangers manager, choosing instead to step back from frontline coaching after difficult spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq while he reassesses which opportunity truly fits his family and career priorities. Explaining his decision, Gerrard said he is enjoying time with family, part-time TV work and commercial engagements, and has already spoken with several clubs without feeling the right connection. He insists he is under no pressure to rush back, stressing his next move must be carefully chosen.
Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025
Al-Nassr have been placed under a FIFA transfer ban that prevents them registering new players from December 19, with the sanction recorded as lasting “until lifted”. Several other Saudi clubs, including Al Shabab, Damac and Al Riyadh, have also been hit with similar restrictions. The ban’s duration and precise cause have not been publicly detailed, echoing a 2023 registration suspension resolved when Al-Nassr cleared outstanding financial obligations. The new halt creates major uncertainty around mid-season squad planning in Riyadh and could force the club to prioritise internal solutions.
Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025
Simakan described playing with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr as something that once felt “impossible”, given their age gap and Ronaldo’s legendary status. Since arriving from RB Leipzig, he has featured regularly alongside the Portuguese icon, gaining experience from his standards, preparation and relentless competitiveness. Simakan highlighted Ronaldo’s leadership in training and matches, stressing how his mentality, work rate and expectations shape the dressing room. The defender credits their time together for raising his own level, calling the experience surreal yet invaluable as Al-Nassr chase domestic and continental trophies with Ronaldo still central to their plans.
Bruno Fernandes
December 2025
Bruno Fernandes admits he felt hurt and sad when Manchester United signalled it would not be “so bad” if he left for a lucrative Saudi Pro League move, despite his loyalty, availability and longstanding impact as captain and chief creator across more than 300 appearances. Still under contract until at least 2027, Fernandes says family reasons, love for the club and talks with Amorim convinced him to stay, yet he resents feeling less valued than team-mates he believes defend the club less, arguing loyalty is no longer viewed with the same respect.
