After extending his contract for two more years, Cristiano Ronaldo will make his official season debut on Tuesday, August 19, when Al-Nassr faces Al-Ittihad in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup semifinal. The Portuguese superstar begins another chapter in Saudi Arabia, aiming to add more silverware to his already historic career.
Al-Nassr comes into the tournament with high expectations, not only because of Ronaldo’s presence but also due to their ambitious moves in the summer transfer market.
The Riyadh-based side strengthened their squad with top-level additions such as Joao Félix, Kingsley Coman, and Íñigo Martínez. On top of that, Jorge Jesus arrived as the new head coach, bringing tactical discipline and experience to guide the team.
Before this official clash, Al-Nassr played four friendlies against SK St. Johann, Toulouse, Rio Ave, and Almería, using those matches to build chemistry and test rotations. The goal was clear: prepare for a busy season in both domestic and international competitions.
Al-Ittihad’s more conservative approach
On the other side, Al-Ittihad, last season’s Saudi Pro League champions, chose stability over drastic changes. The club maintained its winning core, led by Karim Benzema, without making major signings during the transfer window.
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Their preseason, however, did not go smoothly. The team played four friendly matches but lost three of them—against Fenerbahçe, Fulham, and Portimonense. Despite the rough preparation, Al-Ittihad remains a dangerous rival, relying on their experienced midfield featuring N’Golo Kanté and Houssem Aouar.
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Confirmed lineups for the Saudi Super Cup semifinal
Al-Nassr’s Expected XI:
Bento; Yahya, Simakan, Íñigo Martínez, Nawaf; Marcelo Brozović, Coman, Al Khaibari; Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Joao Félix.
Al-Ittihad’s Expected XI:
Al Shanqiti; Mario Mitaj, Al Mousa, Danilo Pereira, Alshanqiti; Fabinho, N’Golo Kanté, Houssem Aouar, Moussa Diaby; Steven Bergwijn, Karim Benzema.
