Cristiano Ronaldo Flees Saudi Arabia After US Embassy Attack | Private Jet to Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has departed Saudi Arabia, returning to Spain amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East following an Iranian attack on a U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. The move comes as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) suspended several matches, including a crucial Champions League fixture involving Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.
Ronaldo’s private jet, a Bombardier Global Express valued at approximately €70 million, took off from Riyadh late Monday and landed in Madrid early Tuesday morning, according to flight tracking data. The journey included overflights of Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. The departure is directly linked to the recent Iranian retaliation for joint U.S. And Israeli strikes within Iran, which included attacks on facilities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
The AFC’s decision to postpone eight matches, including Al Nassr’s first-leg quarterfinal clash against Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League 2, underscores the severity of the situation. The match, originally scheduled for in Dubai, has been indefinitely postponed until regional military tensions subside. This disruption throws the Asian club competition into uncertainty, with no immediate timeline for resumption.
Ronaldo’s availability for the originally scheduled match was already in question. He had reportedly been experiencing muscle fatigue after Al Nassr’s 3-1 victory over Al-Fayha last Saturday, a game in which he was substituted and similarly missed a penalty. Coach Jorge Jesus had been utilizing the Champions League competition to provide playing time to squad players, potentially indicating a planned rotation even without the external geopolitical factors.
The Portuguese superstar’s travel arrangements are noteworthy in themselves. He acquired the Bombardier Global Express in 2024, replacing a Gulfstream G200 purchased in 2015. The upgrade represents a significant investment, costing around €70 million, but a relatively small sum considering Ronaldo’s estimated daily earnings of €550,000 from his contract with Al Nassr, which runs through .
The jet itself is a symbol of luxury, featuring a grey exterior with black and gold accents incorporating Ronaldo’s “CR7” branding. It boasts a capacity for up to 15 passengers and includes amenities such as a relaxation area with sofas and beds, a suite with a double bed, and a bathroom. The aircraft reflects Ronaldo’s status as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
The situation highlights the increasing intersection of sports and global politics. While the AFC’s decision to postpone matches prioritizes safety, it also disrupts the competitive landscape of Asian club football. Al Nassr, boasting a squad that includes Ronaldo, João Félix, and Jorge Jesus, will now face an indefinite wait to continue their Champions League campaign.
The broader implications of the escalating conflict remain to be seen. The suspension of football matches is a relatively minor consequence compared to the potential for wider regional instability. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of sporting events to geopolitical events. The AFC’s swift response demonstrates a commitment to player and staff safety, but also underscores the challenges of maintaining sporting schedules in a volatile world.
Ronaldo’s return to Spain, while likely a precautionary measure, also raises questions about the long-term impact of the conflict on his commitment to Al Nassr. While his contract extends through 2027, the current situation could influence his future decisions. For now, the focus remains on the evolving security situation in the Middle East and the AFC’s efforts to reschedule the suspended matches.
The incident also brings into focus the security protocols surrounding high-profile athletes and teams competing in regions experiencing political unrest. While Al Nassr and other clubs likely have security measures in place, the speed with which the situation escalated demonstrates the difficulty of anticipating and mitigating such risks. The AFC will likely review its security procedures in light of these events to ensure the safety of all participants in future competitions.
The postponement of the Al Nassr versus Al Wasl match is not merely a logistical inconvenience; it represents a disruption to the momentum of both teams. Al Nassr had been enjoying a strong run of form, and the Champions League offered a significant opportunity for silverware. Al Wasl, meanwhile, were eager to test themselves against one of the region’s top clubs. The delay will undoubtedly impact their preparations and potentially affect their performance when the match is eventually rescheduled.