Cristiano Ronaldo departs Riyadh for Madrid amid escalating Middle East tensions after US-Israeli strikes in Iran targeting key Iranian leaders

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and forward for Al-Nassr, has left Saudi Arabia for Madrid, Spain, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes in Iran.

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The 41-year-old reportedly departed Riyadh late Monday night aboard his £61 million ($81 million) Bombardier Global Express 6500 private jet, according to the Daily Mail.

The departure comes after regional strikes, including drone attacks on the US embassy in Riyadh and destruction of a command building in Bahrain, reported by Iranian state media.

“Riyadh, where Ronaldo lives with his partner Georgina Rodriguez and their five children, has been affected by attacks linked to the regional conflict,” the report noted.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed the private jet departed Riyadh at 8:00 pm and arrived in Madrid near 1:00 am, flying over Egypt and the Mediterranean.

The strikes in Iran on February 28, 2026, reportedly killed several Iranian leaders.

Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, announcing 40 days of mourning and a seven-day national holiday.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence described the incident at the US embassy as a “limited fire” causing minor material damage.

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Ronaldo’s move underscores concerns for residents and expatriates in Riyadh amid ongoing regional instability.