JUST IN: Ronaldo flies out of Saudi Arabia in his private jet amid escalating war between US, Iran
JUST IN: Ronaldo flies out of Saudi Arabia in his private jet amid escalating war between US, Iran
Amid rising security concerns and a wave of evacuations across parts of the Middle East, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly departed Saudi Arabia, with flight data showing his private jet leaving Riyadh for Madrid late Monday.
Tracking information from Flightradar24 indicated that the Portuguese forward’s £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 took off from the Saudi capital at about 8pm and landed in the Spanish capital around 1am after flying westward over Egypt and across the Mediterranean.
The development comes as tensions escalate following Iranian retaliatory strikes linked to recent attacks involving Israel and the United States, prompting thousands of residents and expatriates to leave affected areas.
Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr, has lived in Riyadh since joining the Saudi Pro League club from Manchester United in December 2022. His sudden departure has sparked speculation that he may be seeking temporary refuge outside the Gulf as the security situation unfolds.
Security fears deepened on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones struck the United States embassy in Riyadh, causing what officials described as a limited fire and minor material damage.
The deteriorating situation has also disrupted football activities across the region. Saudi domestic competitions have been suspended, while continental fixtures involving West Asian clubs have been postponed.
The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement: “In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled.”
It added that AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League quarter-final first-leg matches involving West Region teams, slated for March 3–4, 2026, have also been postponed until further notice, while fixtures in the East Region will proceed as planned.
“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials and fans,” the statement said.
Ronaldo, 41, is currently sidelined with injury after being substituted during Al-Nassr’s 3–1 win over Al Fayha at the weekend and was not expected to feature in the club’s next match. Reports indicate he earns about £488,000 per day under his contract.
