Cristiano Ronaldo is gearing up for a long-awaited return to Spain, as his team Al Nassr faces Almeria in a pre-season friendly on August 10. This will be Ronaldo’s first appearance on Spanish soil in three years, since his departure from Real Madrid in 2018.
While Al Nassr may have missed out on the FIFA Club World Cup this year, the Saudi Arabian club has still made headlines this summer, notably securing a two-year contract extension for Ronaldo and completing a £43.7 million ($58.7 million) deal to bring Joao Felix to the team. However, the squad’s attention now turns to their European pre-season tour, which includes stops in Austria, England, and Spain as they prepare for the 2025-26 season, which begins in just over three weeks.
Ronaldo’s Return to Almeria
Ronaldo’s return to Spain will mark his first appearance in the country since 2022, when he played in a Europa League match for Manchester United against Real Sociedad. However, Al Nassr’s match against Almeria will be particularly special for the Portuguese forward, as he’s played in UD Almería Stadium multiple times in the past during his Real Madrid years.
Ronaldo has a strong history at the venue, scoring four goals in four appearances at the stadium while wearing Real Madrid’s iconic white shirt. His missed opportunity to face Almeria last year only prolonged the anticipation for his long-awaited homecoming in Spain.
Ronaldo’s Legacy in Spain
Ronaldo’s nine-year tenure at Real Madrid was nothing short of legendary. During his time at the club, the Portugal captain helped secure 16 trophies, including four Champions League titles. He became Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer, etching his name into the club’s record books and solidifying his place as one of the greatest players in football history.
While Al Nassr’s upcoming match may be a friendly, it is certain to draw attention from fans across Spain, many of whom are eager to witness Ronaldo’s return to the country that helped elevate his career to new heights.