Cristiano Ronaldo and his Al-Nassr teammates have touched down in Lagos, Portugal, as they enter the final phase of their pre-season training camp ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season.
The Saudi giants, who began their pre-season preparations in Lisbon earlier this summer, confirmed their move to Lagos via their official social media platforms. In a short post that generated excitement among fans, the club announced, “Lisbon chapter closed. Lagos chapter loading.” The transition marks a shift in intensity as the squad gears up for their upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo, the team’s star and captain, was seen arriving alongside the full squad, including the club’s newest acquisition João Félix. The Portuguese international, who recently completed a high-profile move from Chelsea, is already training with the team and is expected to bring added creativity and firepower to Al-Nassr’s attacking setup.
The presence of both Ronaldo and Félix in the same squad has added a new level of anticipation around Al-Nassr’s season, with fans eager to see how the two Portuguese stars will combine on the pitch. Training sessions in Lagos are already drawing attention, with local football enthusiasts and international media closely tracking developments.
Earlier in the pre-season, Al-Nassr secured a morale-boosting 2–1 victory over French side Toulouse. Ronaldo, as expected, found the net in that game, reminding fans and critics alike that the 39-year-old icon remains a potent threat in front of goal. The goal was his third in four pre-season matches, underscoring his determination to lead Al-Nassr to glory both domestically and in continental competitions.
Al-Nassr’s next fixture will be a high-stakes encounter against fierce rivals Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup—a match that not only carries silverware implications but also sets the tone for the season ahead. With Ronaldo in form and the squad seemingly gelled, expectations are high within the club’s camp.
Club officials have reportedly expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the Lisbon leg of training, which focused primarily on fitness, tactical drills, and integrating new signings. The Lagos segment, according to insiders, will include full-contact practice games, set-piece routines, and team bonding exercises.
Ronaldo has continued to show leadership both on and off the pitch. Videos circulating online from Lisbon showed him mentoring young players during training, offering tactical advice and even joining in post-session team-building activities. His commitment and professionalism have reportedly left a strong impression on the coaching staff and squad members.
Speaking informally to Portuguese media, sources close to the Al-Nassr camp revealed that Ronaldo is particularly motivated this season. Following a narrowly missed league title last year and a disappointing AFC Champions League campaign, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward is determined to turn things around.
“This season, Cristiano wants to leave no doubt about Al-Nassr’s place at the top of Saudi football,” a source close to the club shared. “He is laser-focused, and the squad is rallying behind him.”
Meanwhile, João Félix’s arrival adds a new dimension to Al-Nassr’s forward line. The 24-year-old attacker, who showed flashes of brilliance during his time with Chelsea and Atlético Madrid, is seeking a fresh start and appears eager to prove himself on a new stage. His chemistry with Ronaldo, both being Portuguese and having played in Europe’s elite leagues, is expected to be a key storyline throughout the campaign.
Al-Nassr’s training in Lagos is taking place at one of the region’s top football complexes, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, wellness centres, and pristine pitches. Local fans have already begun gathering around the team hotel and training grounds, hoping for a glimpse—or an autograph—from one of the sport’s biggest icons.
The move to Lagos also reflects a growing trend among Middle Eastern clubs choosing Portugal as a base for their summer preparations. The country offers mild weather, high-quality infrastructure, and proximity to top European scouting networks, making it a preferred destination for elite teams.
Ronaldo’s presence in Portugal has unsurprisingly sparked national media interest. Having returned to train on home soil, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains a beloved figure in his native country. While no public appearances have been officially scheduled, fans remain hopeful that the veteran striker will interact with local communities during the team’s stay.
Al-Nassr is expected to remain in Lagos until just before the Saudi Super Cup, after which they will travel directly to Saudi Arabia for the showdown with Al-Ittihad. The match will serve as a curtain-raiser for the new domestic season and could mark the beginning of a renewed era of dominance for the Riyadh-based side.
As anticipation builds, it is clear that the club’s ambitions are higher than ever. With a superstar lineup led by Cristiano Ronaldo, a rejuvenated squad bolstered by key signings like João Félix, and a motivated coaching team, Al-Nassr is aiming to make a bold statement—both in Saudi Arabia and on the continental stage.
For now, all eyes are on Lagos, where one of football’s greatest legends is putting in the work to write yet another chapter in his storied career.
