So long as Cristiano Ronaldo performs with Al-Nassr, he shall be a serious storyline in Saudi Arabia. The 40-year-old ahead has already delivered targets within the Saudi Professional League this season, and beneath Jorge Jesus’ steerage, the membership is shaping itself right into a contender on all fronts. However beneath the targets and the headlines lies a deeper narrative: one which factors to the longer term, and particularly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese captain is coming into what could possibly be the twilight chapter of his legendary profession, and his coach has unveiled a shocking answer. Whereas Ronaldo remains to be competing on the highest stage, Jorge Jesus believes the trail ahead requires cautious administration. The 71-year-old tactician has launched a singular strategy designed to guard Ronaldo’s physique, making certain he stays sharp for what could also be his ultimate World Cup.
The World Cup has all the time been a evident omission in Ronaldo’s in any other case glittering profession. Since his debut in 2006, he has graced 5 editions of the event, however by no means lifted the last word prize. Regardless of victories at Euro 2016 and the Nations League, the elusive gold trophy stays past his attain.
At 41 by the point of the 2026 event, CR7 faces inevitable bodily challenges. Restoration occasions lengthen, pace declines, and the relentless depth of worldwide soccer turns into more durable to face up to. But, as all the time, the Portuguese icon’s drive to compete on the very prime refuses to fade. For Jorge Jesus, this implies the necessity for a calculated stability between sport time and longevity.
The particular plan revealed
Studies counsel that Jorge Jesus and Ronaldo have agreed on a clear plan for the rest of his Al-Nassr profession. In accordance with 365Scores, he shall be restricted to a minimum of 25% of the Saudi membership’s matches, whereas nonetheless fulfilling his worldwide duties for Portugal.
The adjustment grew to become seen this week. Simply days after scoring twice within the league towards Al-Riyadh, the veteran was left on the bench for the 4-0 win over Jeddah within the King Cup of Champions. As a substitute, Joao Felix stole the highlight with a aim and an help, underlining his explosive begin to life in Saudi Arabia.
The choice raised eyebrows, however Jorge Jesus rapidly clarified his reasoning after the match. “I used to be trying to keep his health and put together him for the upcoming league matches,” the coach defined. His phrases confirmed what many had speculated: Ronaldo’s relaxation was not about type, however a part of a long-term imaginative and prescient.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr (L) and group head coach Jorge Jesus of Al-Nassr (R) react
Why 2026 issues greater than ever
At its core, Jorge Jesus’ strategy is designed with one aim in thoughts: preserving Ronaldo for the 2026 World Cup. That event could possibly be his sixth, a historic achievement unmatched by any male participant. Extra importantly, it might be his final actual probability so as to add the one title lacking from his résumé.
The coach’s plan ensures that Ronaldo avoids burnout, reduces the danger of harm, and arrives on the event in peak situation. Whereas skeptics argue that limiting his minutes could have an effect on rhythm, the proof suggests in any other case. Al-Nassr captain’s obsessive work ethic, coupled with strategic relaxation, could give him the longevity wanted to guide Portugal one ultimate time on the most important stage.
