Al Nassr find themselves at a turbulent crossroads, with pressure mounting from multiple directions as the 2026/27 season takes shape. The most pressing storyline centres on Cristiano Ronaldo, whose public fallout with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has cast a shadow over the club. Ronaldo left the national team camp after being benched against Norway, sparking a wave of reaction that has spilled into the Saudi football conversation. The latest development, reported by Goal, is that Jesus has left the door open for Ronaldo's return to the national squad, describing his need for the player. The Portuguese Football Federation president has also stepped in, downplaying the dispute as a misunderstanding.

On the pitch, form has been inconsistent. A 4-0 defeat to Al-Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite remains a damaging result, and questions have since emerged about whether the club could pursue a points claim from that match. In the Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr sit third with 16 points from seven games, level with Al Qadsiah and one point behind leaders Al Ittihad.

Off the pitch, the club is navigating significant change. The Public Investment Fund has completed a full takeover of Al Nassr, and a new board president has been appointed. Squad concerns also linger, with medical tests on young defender Rakan Al-Ghamdi raising fears over a serious knee injury. The club hosts Al Diriyah at Al-Awwal Park on October 9, a fixture that offers a chance to build some stability.