Cristiano Ronaldo’s Minutes to Drop Under New Al-Nassr Plan
Cristiano Ronaldo will have his pitch time reduced by 25 per cent from the 2025-26 season as Al-Nassr and incoming coach Jorge Jesus build a longevity blueprint for the 40-year-old legend’s chase of 1,000 career goals.
Cristiano Ronaldo workload cut by 25%
The Portuguese megastar featured in 41 of 50 fixtures last term, but club insiders say that figure will fall sharply. Less demanding league games and early-round cup ties are earmarked for rest, while training loads will be tailored to recovery rather than intensity.
Strategic thinking from Jorge Jesus
Jesus, who replaces interim boss Dinko Jeličić, reportedly convinced Ronaldo that selective rotation is the only way to keep him explosive for marquee clashes and a potential sixth World Cup in 2026. Sports-science staff will monitor GPS data daily to flag fatigue before it becomes injury.
Balancing records and silverware
Ronaldo’s goalscoring appetite remains undiminished—he has collected consecutive Saudi Pro League Golden Boots and sits on 895 senior goals. Al-Nassr believe fresher legs in decisive moments could turn near-misses into trophies while still allowing CR7 to chip away at that magical four-figure tally.
Opinion
Easing Ronaldo’s schedule is overdue. Even a physical marvel can’t outrun time, and protecting a still-lethal asset benefits both player and club. If the plan works, expect a sharper, more decisive Ronaldo—exactly when it matters most.
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