Portuguese football star and Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has reportedly left Saudi Arabia for Madrid, Spain, following rising tensions in the Middle East after recent US-Israeli strikes in Iran.
According to reports by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, the 41-year-old forward departed Riyadh late at night aboard his £61 million ($81 million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet.
Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 confirmed that the aircraft departed Riyadh at about 8:00 pm and arrived in Madrid close to 1:00 am. The flight reportedly passed over Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea before landing in Spain.
Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr, one of the top football clubs in Saudi Arabia. He moved to the Saudi Pro League in late 2022 after leaving Manchester United, in a deal that drew global attention and boosted the profile of football in the Gulf country.
Riyadh, where Ronaldo lives with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children, has recently experienced security concerns linked to the wider regional conflict.
Reports say the United States Embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones overnight. The Saudi Ministry of Defence confirmed that a limited fire broke out at the embassy compound after the strike. It added that the incident caused minor material damage and that the situation was brought under control.
The incident is believed to be connected to escalating hostilities in the region following US-Israeli military strikes in Iran.
The strikes reportedly took place on February 28, 2026, and were said to have killed several senior Iranian leaders. Iranian state media later confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed. Authorities in Iran announced 40 days of mourning and declared a seven-day national holiday.
The developments have raised fears of a wider regional crisis, with concerns about further retaliatory attacks.
Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of foreign nationals, including professional athletes, business executives and diplomats. Ronaldo is one of the most high-profile foreign residents in the country.
Since his arrival in Saudi Arabia, he has been a key figure in the country’s sports development plan. The Saudi government has invested heavily in football and other sports as part of its Vision 2030 programme, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil.
Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was seen as a major step in promoting Saudi football on the global stage. He has since scored numerous goals for the club and remains one of the league’s biggest attractions.
However, the recent security concerns appear to have influenced his decision to temporarily relocate to Spain.
There is no official statement yet from Ronaldo or Al-Nassr confirming whether the move is temporary or permanent. Reports suggest that he may have travelled to ensure the safety of his family amid uncertainty in the region.
The current tension follows the US-Israeli strikes on targets in Iran. Details of the operation remain limited, but reports say it targeted military and leadership facilities.
Iran’s announcement of the death of its Supreme Leader has added to the seriousness of the situation. Analysts warn that such a development could lead to political instability within Iran and possible retaliation against US or allied interests in the region.
The reported destruction of a command and staff building in Bahrain has also raised alarm. Bahrain hosts a US naval base and is considered an important ally of the United States in the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia has in the past faced missile and drone attacks linked to regional conflicts, especially during periods of heightened tension involving Iran and its allies.
Madrid holds special meaning for Ronaldo. He played for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018, winning multiple trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles. He remains one of the club’s all-time top scorers.
His arrival in Madrid has attracted attention from fans and media, though there is no indication that he plans to return to Spanish football.
Ronaldo’s career has taken him across several top leagues, including England, Spain, Italy and now Saudi Arabia. Even at 41, he remains one of the most recognised athletes in the world.
The Middle East has often experienced periods of tension, but the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader marks a serious moment in regional politics.
Global leaders have called for calm and restraint, while diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify to prevent further escalation.
For now, Ronaldo’s departure highlights how even sports stars are not immune to the effects of geopolitical events.
For Ronaldo and his family, the move to Madrid appears to be a precautionary step amid uncertainty. For the region, the focus remains on stability and preventing further conflict.