Ronaldo and Al Nassr’s UAE return dates announced

Dubai: The return dates for Al Nassr's AFC Champions League Elite matches in the UAE have been announced. Cristiano Ronaldo, the soccer star, is set to participate in what could be his final season with the team. Following the AFC Champions League Elite draw for the 2026/27 season, Al Nassr, the Saudi Pro League champions, have been paired with two UAE Pro League sides: Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli.

The fixture dates are as follows: Al Ain vs Al Nassr on 15 September 2026 at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Shabab Al Ahli vs Al Nassr on 15 February 2026 at Al-Rashid Stadium in Dubai. Al Nassr's participation in these high-stakes matches is significant, as the competition is the largest club tournament in Asia.

While Ronaldo was absent from Al Nassr's AFC Champions League Two group-stage matches last season, he will likely feature in the Elite tournament. The Saudi giants secured their place in the Elite competition after winning the Saudi Pro League, providing Ronaldo with another opportunity to compete for the continental title he has yet to claim with the club. The defeat in last season's Champions League Two final is a stark reminder of what Al Nassr aims to avoid this time around.