Ronaldo Flees Saudi Arabia With Family, Goes To Spain After Airstrikes In Riyadh
Flight tracking data from platforms like Flightradar24 showed Ronaldo's £61 million ($81 million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet departing Riyadh late Monday night, around 8-9 p.m. local time, and landing in the Spanish capital in the early hours of Tuesday after a roughly seven-hour flight over Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. The aircraft, customized with Ronaldo's signature CR7 branding, has been a frequent sight in recent years as the 41-year-old Al-Nassr captain and his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, along with their five children, have made Riyadh their home base since his 2023 move to the Saudi Pro League.
The departure comes as the Middle East crisis intensifies, with Iran launching retaliatory missile and drone strikes on Gulf targets including the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian sites. Reports of explosions, fires, and damage in the Saudi capital have heightened security concerns, prompting many foreign nationals and expatriates to leave the region. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has already suspended several matches in the Gulf, including Al-Nassr's upcoming fixtures, adding to the uncertainty surrounding sports events.
Multiple outlets, including the Daily Mail, The Mirror, have framed the jet's movement as Ronaldo "fleeing" or relocating his family for safety, tying it directly to the airstrikes hitting Riyadh. Some accounts suggest the family boarded the flight, prioritizing their well-being as tensions rise and foreign residents seek safer ground.
However, reports remain conflicting on Ronaldo's personal whereabouts. While some sources claim he is no longer in Saudi Arabia, others including updates from sports journalists and club-related channels indicate the Al-Nassr star may still be in Riyadh. Al-Nassr has continued to post training updates involving Ronaldo, and league matches, such as a scheduled Saturday fixture against NEOM, are reportedly still on as planned despite the disruptions. One report noted the jet arrived in Madrid without Ronaldo on board, suggesting it could have been used to transport family members or staff first.
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in a high-profile deal that made him one of the world's highest-paid athletes, has been a key figure in Saudi Arabia's push to elevate its football profile. He has scored prolifically for the club but has faced injury setbacks this season. The ongoing conflict has already impacted the Saudi Pro League and regional competitions, with airspace restrictions, travel warnings, and event postponements creating challenges for players and teams.
As the situation develops, Ronaldo's next steps remain unclear. Madrid holds special significance for the forward he spent nine trophy-laden years at Real Madrid, where he first met Georgina and many see it as a natural temporary refuge. Fans and observers have expressed concern for his safety and that of his family, with social media flooded with messages wishing them well amid the escalating war.
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