Did Cristiano Ronaldo Pull a Madrid Detour? The Saudi Star, a Madrid Visit, and a Rumor-Filled Week
25 March 2026
Ronaldo's Madrid Detour: Medicals, Minutes, and Mystery
In early March, Jorge Jesus, head coach of Al-Nassr, announced that Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to Madrid to undergo medical tests.
The trip followed the injury Ronaldo sustained after the 3-1 win over Al-Fayha on February 28 in the 24th round of the Saudi Pro League, which sidelined him for the next two league matches against Neom and Al-Khaleej.
Jesus did not specify a return date, but it was natural for Ronaldo to resume the assessment with his private doctor in Madrid. He stayed in the Spanish capital to complete his rehabilitation away from the club, and reports suggested he would only return after the current international break, at the end of the month, despite not being called up to Portugal.
And this was not the only surprise: The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has begun training with Real Madrid's Under-16 squad, a move that could pave the way for joining his father later on.
These developments fed speculation about the true reason for Ronaldo's Madrid stay and whether the trip hinted at a broader connection with the Spanish club.
Additionally, Ronaldo Jr. plays for the Al-Nassr academy, which he joined in January 2023 when his father joined the first team.
The expectation is that Ronaldo will return to Al-Nassr at the end of the current month to prepare for the clash with Al-Najma on April 3 at Al-Awwal Park, in the Saudi Pro League's 27th round.
Ronaldo remains one of the Saudi Pro League's top scorers this season with 21 goals, four behind Ivan Toni of Al-Ahli and three behind Mexican Julian Quinones of Al-Qadsiah, who sits second.
Ultimately, the Madrid detour adds another layer to a season already full of headlines, rumors, and red carpets—only this one came with a medical badge and a passport stamp.
Punchline 1: If headlines were a target, Ronaldo would be a sniper—every damn edition lands right on cue. Punchline 2: His travel itinerary is longer than a hat-trick drought—some players collect trophies; Ronaldo collects international breaks and mystery.
