Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to preseason action is already making headlines—as are the ripple effects his presence is creating. As clubs around the world begin preparing for the new season, Saudi side Al Nassr are kicking off its 2025 preseason in Austria. But due to specific arrangements made for Ronaldo, one German club has been forced to train on a local high school field.
With Jorge Jesus entering his first full season as head coach, Al Nassr scheduled their summer training camp in Saalfelden, a small Austrian town near the German border that’s home to just 16,000 residents. It’s a familiar destination for clubs seeking quiet preparation away from the spotlight.
Al Nassr are set to stay in Saalfelden from July 20 to August 4, with three friendly matches on the calendar. Ronaldo, who was officially named to the preseason squad on July 19, is expected to join the team during the trip. But even before his arrival, his presence has already made waves—including for one club that shares the town during preseason.
Hannover 96 forced to relocate training camp
Hannover 96, currently playing in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, (Germany’s second tier) has used Saalfelden as a regular base for summer training camps. But this year, the club has been pushed out of its usual facilities due to Ronaldo’s security requirements.
According to Austrian media reports, Ronaldo will be accompanied by a personal security team of no fewer than 16 bodyguards. That level of security has prompted major logistical changes in and around the team’s hotel, forcing Hannover 96 to find alternative accommodations.
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As a result, Hannover has lost access to the training complex tied to their preferred hotel and will instead train at the local high school stadium. Despite the disruption, head coach Christian Titz downplayed the inconvenience. “It’s not a problem. The conditions are very good. The pitch is in excellent shape,” he told reporters.
With Al Nassr’s matches and training sessions closed to the public and protected by strict security, Ronaldo was expected to arrive in Austria on July 20. However, local reports suggest he may miss the first five days of the camp. The club is ramping up preparations for its first official match of the season: the Saudi Super Cup semifinal against Karim Benzema’s Al Ittihad.
