Ronaldo’s Riyadh Derby Dilemma: Warm-Up Worry or Health Check?
17 January 2026
Ronaldo's warm-up steals the spotlight before the Riyadh derby
The Portuguese icon Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Al Nassr, captured fans' hearts during warmups ahead of the Al Shabab clash in the 16th round of the Saudi Pro League.
Ronaldo remains a pivotal figure this season, leading the league with 15 goals, two ahead of his fellow Portuguese João Félix, fueling concerns about his fitness before the big match.
Saudi media personality Samir Al-Dosary posted clips on X showing Ronaldo briefly in discomfort during warmups, triggering anxiety among Al Nassr fans online.
The moment came when a long pass reached Ronaldo; he appeared troubled by knee pain, prompting the medical staff to intervene, before he completed the warmup without further worrying signs.
Supporters feared the captain might miss the game, especially given Al Nassr's recent disappointing results and Ronaldo's importance in decisive duels.
Punchline 1: Ronaldo’s knee tried to stage a comeback, but the medical team served it a timeout and sent it to the bench with a firm “not today.”
Punchline 2: If pre-match nerves paid rent, Ronaldo would own the stadium—fortunately, the only debt here is in admiration for the man in the armband.
