Cristiano Ronaldo received some good news: Iñigo Martínez is back coaching Al-Nassr, giving the Portuguese superstar and his teammates a significant boost in their Saudi Professional League title pursuit when it matters most. With Al Nassr sitting 5 factors clear on the prime and using a club-record 14-game profitable streak, the return of the rock-solid Spanish defender may very well be the ultimate piece that seals the championship in 2026.
The 34-year-old center-back, who joined Al Nassr in the summer of 2025 after leaving Barcelona, had been sidelined with a hamstring injury for the previous three weeks. He rejoined full group coaching on Tuesday and is predicted to be available for choice as early as this weekend’s essential fixtures. Coach Luís Castro confirmed the constructive replacement, telling reporters that Martinez “seems sharp and able to assist us in pushing for the title.”
For Ronaldo, that is the type of reinforcement he has been ready for. The 41-year-old legend has been unstoppable, scoring 24 league goals already this season and leading Al-Nassr to 73 goals from 28 matches. His scientific end within the current 2-0 win over Al Akhdoud not solely prolonged the profitable run but also moved him to 98 targets within the Saudi Professional League in simply 101 appearances. With Iñigo Martínez again anchoring the defense, Ronaldo can focus much more on attack, knowing the back line is once again at full power.
Al Nassr’s defense has been rock-solid throughout the streak, conceding just 21 goals all season, but injuries have forced some rotation in recent weeks. Martinez’s return provides management, aerial dominance, and expertise from La Liga and the Spanish national team — precisely what a title-chasing side wants within the last six games of the marketing campaign. The Riyadh giants nonetheless face a tricky May 7 derby towards defending champions Al Hilal, and having their first-choice center-back match might prove decisive.
U.S. soccer fans streaming Saudi Professional League matches on DAZN are captivated by the drama. Ronaldo’s move has turned the league into a global spectacle, fueling excitement for the upcoming 2026 World Cup and beyond.
The entire Al Nassr dressing room feels more united and confident. Teammates like João Félix stepping up shows how everyone is committed to the team’s success, fostering a sense of belonging for fans.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s positive news about Iñigo Martínez’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for Al-Nassr’s pursuit of the Saudi Professional League title. The file profitable streak is rolling, the factors hole is wholesome, and the squad is lastly near full power as they chase historical past in 2026. For Ronaldo and the followers, this feels just like the year the long wait for silverware finally ends.
By Mark Smith
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