RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained late February, prompting Al Nassr to send the 41-year-old superstar to Madrid for specialized rehabilitation. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches in June, the setback has sparked questions about his fitness, though medical timelines suggest he should return to action well before the tournament begins.

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during a match between Portugal and Switzerland in Lisbon on June 5, 2022
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during a match between Portugal and Switzerland in Lisbon on June 5, 2022

Ronaldo limped off in the 81st minute of Al Nassr's 3-1 Saudi Pro League victory over Al Fayha on February 28, 2026. Initial assessments described the issue as muscular fatigue, but further tests revealed it was "more serious than expected," according to Al Nassr coach Jorge Jesus. The club confirmed a right hamstring injury in an official statement, noting Ronaldo had begun a rehabilitation program with daily evaluations.

Jesus elaborated during a March 6 press conference that Ronaldo required rest and advanced treatment unavailable in Saudi Arabia. "After the tests he underwent, it became clear that it is a more serious injury than we were expecting," Jesus said. "He will need rest and recovery. Cristiano will travel to Spain for treatment, as will other players who were injured." Ronaldo has since been working with his personal physiotherapist in Madrid, incorporating methods like pressotherapy and high-tech recovery devices to accelerate healing.

Reports from Saudi outlet Al-Sharq Al-Awsat indicate Ronaldo is expected to return to Saudi Arabia by the end of March, positioning him for a potential comeback on April 3 against Al-Najma, the league's bottom team. That timeline aligns with estimates of two to four weeks sidelined, depending on the injury's grade. A mild grade-one strain typically heals in one to three weeks, while a grade-two partial tear could extend to four to eight weeks. Al Nassr has not classified the severity publicly, but the club emphasized day-by-day monitoring and Ronaldo's determination to return quickly.

The injury has already caused Ronaldo to miss multiple matches, including league games against Neom SC and Al Khaleej, as well as any rescheduled fixtures. He has scored 21 goals in 22 Saudi Pro League appearances this season, underscoring his continued elite output despite his age. The setback follows a period of heavy workload — Ronaldo started 11 games in early 2026 — raising questions about managing his minutes as he prepares for what he has called his likely final major international tournament.

Ronaldo has repeatedly stated that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will probably be his last. Speaking in late 2025, he told CNN, "Definitely, yes, because I will be 41 years old." He emphasized feeling "very good" physically, still sharp and capable of scoring, but acknowledged retirement looms within one or two years. At the World Cup, Ronaldo would become one of the oldest outfield players in tournament history if selected, aiming for a record sixth appearance and chasing his first World Cup title after near-misses in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has yet to comment specifically on the injury's impact on national team preparations, but the timing is delicate. Portugal has friendlies scheduled against Mexico and the United States in late March — key tune-ups for World Cup qualifying and final roster decisions. Some reports suggest Ronaldo risks missing those matches if recovery lags, though his targeted April return would allow ample time to regain match fitness before June's tournament opener.

Experts remain optimistic about Ronaldo's participation. His rigorous training regimen, access to top medical care and history of overcoming setbacks support a strong chance of featuring in North America. At 41, questions about speed and durability persist, but Ronaldo's goal-scoring consistency — he remains Portugal's all-time leading scorer — and leadership role make him a near-certainty for inclusion if fit. Former teammates and analysts note his mental drive often accelerates recovery.

The injury has also drawn attention to broader concerns for veteran players in high-stakes environments. Ronaldo's move to Al Nassr in 2023 allowed him to maintain competitive minutes in a less physically demanding league compared to Europe, aiding longevity. Yet the current hamstring issue highlights the challenges of sustaining peak performance into the early 40s.

Fans and media continue monitoring updates from Madrid, where Ronaldo has shared occasional social media glimpses of his rehab without revealing specifics. Al Nassr and Portugal both prioritize his long-term health, balancing immediate club needs with World Cup ambitions.

As March progresses, the focus shifts to Ronaldo's progress in Spain. A smooth recovery would see him back on the pitch by early April, positioning him ideally for Portugal's World Cup campaign. While the injury introduces uncertainty, Ronaldo's track record suggests he remains a formidable force capable of defying age once more on the global stage.