For a player who has carried club and country for so long, a cautious approach feels logical. The report says Ange Postecoglou’s staff do not want to rush Ronaldo back after what is described as an emotionally draining international campaign with Portugal.
That matters. Early in a season, the temptation is always to force a star name into the lineup. But for Al-Nassr, the bigger picture may be more important than a hurried return for Al-Fateh or a cup outing against Al-Diriyah. Preserving Ronaldo now could leave him sharper for the heavier run of league fixtures ahead.
Even when Ronaldo is not at his absolute peak, his absence changes the mood of the side.
That does not mean Al-Nassr cannot cope for a couple of matches. It does mean others will need to carry more of the attacking burden while Postecoglou settles his rhythm and hierarchy for the new campaign.
The wedding speculation has added colour, but very little clarity. Aveiro’s quote pushes back firmly on the idea that anything had been publicly confirmed, and the wider picture still points to a sporting decision rather than a personal detour.
For now, the next real checkpoint appears to be Al-Riyadh on 21 August. If Ronaldo does return then, the focus will quickly shift from rumour to readiness - and whether Al-Nassr have managed the opening weeks well enough to welcome him back without damage already done.