Ronaldo’s private jet departs Saudi Arabia amid regional conflict

Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxury private jet has departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid amid increasing tensions in the Middle East, though the Portuguese football superstar himself remains in Riyadh undergoing injury rehabilitation, different sources report.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that Ronaldo's $80 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 departed King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh around 8:00 p.m. local time on Monday, completing a nearly seven-hour journey to Madrid Barajas Airport shortly before 1:00 a.m. Tuesday. The aircraft traversed Egyptian airspace and the Mediterranean Sea route to the Spanish capital.

Ronaldo lives in Riyadh with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children. However, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo, his partner Georgina Rodriguez, or their five children were aboard the flight. The 41-year-old Al Nassr captain was pictured at the club's training facility on Tuesday, engaged in rehabilitation exercises.

Al Nassr officially confirmed that Ronaldo suffered a hamstring injury during their 3-1 victory over Al Fahya on February 28 and is undergoing daily monitoring and treatment at the club's facilities.

The speculation arises amid severe regional instability following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership and retaliatory Iranian attacks. Two drones reportedly struck the US embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday, causing minor damage. The Asian Football Confederation has postponed multiple matches in the West Region, including Al Nassr's scheduled AFC Champions League Elite fixture against UAE's Al Wasl.

Despite the unrest, Saudi football authorities have not suspended domestic competitions, with Al Nassr preparing for Saturday's home match against Neom SC.