Cristiano Ronaldo has departed Saudi Arabia amid escalating military tensions in the Middle East, with flight tracking data confirming that his private aircraft left Riyadh for Madrid on Monday night. The development follows Iranian retaliatory strikes across the region and heightened security concerns in the Gulf.
Flight monitoring records show that Ronaldo’s £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 took off from Riyadh around 8:00 p.m. and landed in Madrid at approximately 1:00 a.m. The aircraft reportedly travelled west over Egypt and across the Mediterranean before touching down in Spain.
The 41-year-old Portuguese forward currently plays for Al-Nassr and has been based in Riyadh since joining the club in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United. He previously spent nine seasons at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo is currently sidelined with an injury after being substituted during Al-Nassr’s 3–1 victory over Al Fayha last weekend. He is not expected to feature in the club’s next fixture.
His departure comes as regional tensions intensify following Iranian retaliatory attacks linked to recent confrontations involving Israel and the United States. Multiple explosions were reported in several Middle Eastern cities, including Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha and Kuwait City, as well as in Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones struck the United States embassy in Riyadh, resulting in a limited fire and minor structural damage. No major casualties were reported.
Football activities in Saudi Arabia have since been suspended. The Asian Football Confederation announced the postponement of several West Region fixtures in the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16, originally scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2026. Quarter-final first-leg matches in the AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League involving West Region teams have also been postponed until further notice.
The confederation stated that it is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of players, officials and supporters. Fixtures in the East Region will proceed as scheduled.
Riyadh has emerged as a major departure point for individuals seeking to leave the region. Private security firms have reportedly arranged transport convoys to the Saudi capital, where chartered aircraft are being used to evacuate clients.
Industry sources indicate that private jet charters from Riyadh to Europe now cost as much as $350,000, a significant increase compared to January rates, which typically ranged between $50,000 and $150,000 depending on aircraft size.
Private security operators say they have received requests from families, corporate executives and high-net-worth individuals seeking assistance to exit the region due to safety and business concerns.
Ronaldo has not publicly commented on his travel, and it remains unclear whether his departure is temporary.
