Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo travelled from Saudi Arabia to Madrid on his private jet following a tense night in the region, after destructive drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh. The recent conflicts have heightened anxiety across the Middle East, prompting several foreign nationals to leave over safety concerns. The situation has already disrupted sporting schedules, with Ronaldo’s club side Al-Nassr impacted by a string of Asian Champions League postponements. The team was due to play a fixture in Dubai on Wednesday, but uncertainty over security has cast doubt on upcoming matches and travel plans.
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Saudi Arabia with his family. (REUTERS)
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Ronaldo reportedly left Saudi Arabia on his private jet, accompanied by his partner Georgina Rodriguez and his five children, as per multiple media reports. The Portugal captain has been travelling in style since upgrading his aircraft last year. In 2024, he added a Bombardier Global Express 6500 to his collection, an ultra-long-range jet valued at around £61 million (USD 81 million). The purchase came after he parted ways with his earlier Gulfstream G200, which he had owned since 2015 after buying it for approximately £16 million (USD 21 million), marking a significant step up in luxury and range.
The five-time Ballon d'Or signed an extension with Al Nassr of the Saudi Pro League last summer that runs through June 2027. He is also expected to captain Portugal during this summer's World Cup.
Ronaldo buys 25 per cent stake UD Almeria
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He recently acquired a 25 per cent stake in second-division Spanish club UD Almeria.
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He recently acquired a 25 per cent stake in second-division Spanish club UD Almeria.
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The financial terms of the transaction done via the legendary footballer's CR7 Sports Investments company have not been disclosed, but is considered to be a long-term investment for Ronaldo, who has turned 41 this year and is in the twilight of his career, which has seen him turn up for clubs like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and now Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
"I have long had the ambition to contribute to football beyond the pitch," Ronaldo said in a statement.
"UD Almeria is a Spanish club with a strong foundation and clear growth potential. I wish to work with the team leading the club to support it in its new phase of growth."
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.
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Home/Sports/Football/Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Saudi Arabia in private jet after Iranian drones hit US Embassy in Riyadh
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