According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Wednesday October 14, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo drew attention after wearing a Saudi Arabia national team scarf following Al-Nassr’s AFC Champions League Elite match against Uzbekistan’s Neftchi Fergana in Riyadh on Monday.

The Portuguese football star proudly displayed the scarf at the end of the match, a gesture that came against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in the Saudi capital.

The fixture had been delayed by one hour after Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence issued a security alert, prompting concerns over the situation in the city.

According to the Saudi-led coalition, two ballistic missiles launched towards Riyadh by Houthi militia were intercepted and destroyed. The incident occurred amid reports of explosions heard in different parts of the capital that night.

At least three explosions were heard across Riyadh, adding to the security concerns surrounding the city as residents and visitors awaited further information about the reported missile threat.

Despite the disruption to the match schedule, Ronaldo’s post-match appearance became a talking point after he was seen wearing the Saudi national team scarf.

The 41-year-old forward has been a prominent figure in Saudi Arabian football since joining Al-Nassr, helping to raise the profile of the Saudi Pro League and attract international attention to the country’s growing football ambitions.

His gesture on Monday came during a period of heightened security awareness following the reported interception of the missiles. However, no direct connection was established between Ronaldo’s decision to wear the scarf and the security incident.

The reported missile interception and explosions highlighted the security concerns facing Riyadh that night, while the delayed fixture highlighted the impact of the alert on sporting activities in the capital.