Cristiano Ronaldo flies to Madeira after Al-Nassr’s title delay

Cristiano Ronaldo flew from northwestern Saudi Arabia to Madeira on May 13, touching down at the airport that bears his name after a seven-hour flight in his Bombardier Global Express XRS, LX-GOL. The trip comes less than 24 hours after he watched from the bench as Al-Nassr conceded a stoppage-time own goal against Al-Hilal, a result that postponed the club’s first league title since his arrival.

Per a match report from The Independent, Ronaldo had been substituted in the 82nd minute of the Riyadh derby, waving to the crowd as his side led 1-0. But goalkeeper Bento’s fumble in the eighth minute of added time turned the win into a 1-1 draw, leaving Al-Nassr five points clear with one game remaining. Ronaldo later posted a rallying cry on X, but the setback — and his ongoing recovery from a muscle injury — makes this a natural moment to step away before the season’s final week.

The flight continues a pattern of Ronaldo returning to his birthplace between high-stakes fixtures. Madeira’s Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport is a recurring destination in his travel log, and this visit arrives before Al-Nassr’s Champions League Two final on May 17 and the league decider on May 21. Whether for rehabilitation or respite, the timing suggests a brief homecoming before the trophy push resumes.