Cristiano Ronaldo leaving the field and vomiting afterward raised concerns about his physical condition, amidst a packed schedule and increasing pressure for titles.
During the match between Al Nassr and Al Ettifaq in Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo experienced a forgettable night when he suddenly encountered stomach issues. The Portuguese superstar was not in good physical condition and had to leave the field in the final minutes of the game.
According to coach Jorge Jesus's post-match revelation, Ronaldo was not in good condition from the start. “I considered not using him; his condition wasn't good. He had stomach pain and fatigue. When I substituted him, he went straight to the dressing room and vomited.” Nevertheless, the 41-year-old forward still played with great effort before leaving the field, and the story about his health condition is drawing significant public attention.
Despite the incident, Ronaldo did not let this issue affect his morale too much. Immediately after the match, he posted a brief status update: “+3. Amazing energy from the stands.” On the field, he still attempted 7 shots but couldn't score. However, Al Nassr narrowly preserved the victory, thereby continuing to maintain their leading position.
This win allows Al Nassr to create an 8-point gap with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League standings with only 5 rounds left in the season. Although they still have to face tough opponents like Al Ahli and Al Qadsiah, the opportunity to win the first major title since Ronaldo's arrival is more open than ever.
Notably, Al Nassr's success this season is not solely dependent on Ronaldo. João Félix has even directly contributed to more goals. Additionally, a solid defensive foundation is also a crucial factor helping the team maintain stability, rather than relying entirely on one individual in the attack.
The reality shows that Al Nassr continues to maintain impressive form even without Ronaldo. The team has won all 12 matches without star number 7, demonstrating remarkable balance and squad depth. This is also a factor helping them stay strong in the long domestic league race and in the AFC Champions League Two.
At the national team level, Ronaldo is also undergoing a less smooth preparation process for the World Cup, having just returned from a hamstring injury. However, coach Roberto Martínez still places absolute trust: “Cristiano is the captain, a role model, and always eager. He is not just a 41-year-old player, but someone who wants to improve every day – a leader inspiring young players.”
The recent vomiting incident thus makes Ronaldo's journey toward the World Cup even more challenging, but also shows that his determination to play has not diminished.