Cristiano Ronaldo Flees Saudi Arabia Amidst Middle East Tensions

Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain and forward for Al-Nassr, departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid, Spain, on Monday night as regional tensions escalated in the Middle East following recent strikes [1]. The 41-year-old’s departure came as the US embassy in Riyadh was reportedly hit by drones and following military strikes in Iran.

Private Jet to Madrid

Ronaldo’s £61 million ($81 million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet left Riyadh at approximately 8:00 pm local time and landed in Madrid around 1:00 am, flying over Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea [2], [1]. This move follows US-Israeli military strikes in Iran on February 28, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several Iranian leaders [1].

Escalating Conflict and Regional Impacts

Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 1, declaring 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday [1]. The Saudi Ministry of Defence reported a limited fire at the United States Embassy in Riyadh after it was struck by two drones, causing minor material damage [1].

Ronaldo’s Situation with Al-Nassr

Ronaldo currently resides in Riyadh with his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, and their five children [1]. He joined Al-Nassr from Manchester United in December 2022, earning £488,000 per day. He is currently recovering from an injury sustained in Al Nassr’s 3-1 win over Al Fahya on Saturday and was not expected to play in their postponed Asian Champions League quarter-final match against Al-Wasl [2].

Regional Flight Disruptions

Commercial flights in the region have been grounded due to the ongoing conflict, but Ronaldo was able to utilize his private jet to travel to Madrid, where he previously played for Real Madrid [2].