Former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has opened up on his unexpected bond with Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Al-Nassr. The Spaniard praised the Portuguese icon’s humility, calling him “approachable” and obsessed with football, while recalling a touching late-night meeting soon after his arrival at the Saudi Pro League club in the summer transfer window.
Settling into Saudi life alongside CR7
When Martinez left Barcelona for Al-Nassr this summer, the move raised eyebrows across Europe. The Basque centre-back had been a reliable figure in Hansi Flick's title-winning side, helping Barca secure La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana trophies while reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Yet the allure of a new adventure and the chance to play alongside Ronaldo proved irresistible.
Although Barcelona didn’t receive a transfer fee, Martinez’s exit helped the Catalan club ease their wage burden by €14 million (£12m/$15m). At 34, he saw Al-Nassr as a fresh challenge both professionally and personally. The Spanish defender admitted that his introduction to life in Riyadh came with a surprise a warm welcome from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner himself.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRonaldo’s human side: humility behind the superstar
Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2023, has since become more than just the team’s star. For newcomers like Martinez, his presence defines the club’s culture: competitive, disciplined, and relentlessly ambitious. In his appearance on , Martinez revealed how the ex-Real Madrid forward went out of his way to make him feel at home.
"It's one of the things that surprised me since I arrived," he said. "I didn't know him much, just from playing, and appearances can be deceiving. He waited for me at the hotel; it was a day off for them, and he was able to wait for me and greet me at night.
"I don't know what time it was, and he was there to greet me, to be with me, and to talk. He's very approachable and very competitive, which is good for us all. He lives football to the fullest. That's his passion, and here he continues doing what he did, and well, what he's been doing every year."
Al-Nassr’s winning culture and Ronaldo’s enduring hunger
Al-Nassr currently top the Saudi Pro League table with 12 points, and Ronaldo’s influence extends beyond the pitch. Having scored 98 goals in 111 appearances for the club, he remains central to their success, blending star power with an obsessive professionalism that pushes standards higher.
This season alone, the 40-year-old has already netted five goals in six starts across all competitions. His recent international break reinforced his dominance, with a brace against Hungary taking his tally to 143 goals for Portugal and 947 in total, edging closer to his dream of reaching 1,000 career goals.
For teammates like Martinez, training alongside the Portuguese international provides a masterclass in mentality. Every session reflects Ronaldo’s drive to improve, a mindset that has turned Al-Nassr into a serious continental force. Even off the pitch, his example sets the tone for the club’s ambitious project under the Saudi Pro League’s growing spotlight.
GettyWhat lies ahead for Ronaldo and Martinez
With Ronaldo returning from international duty, the focus now shifts back to domestic competition. Al-Nassr face Al-Fateh this weekend as they look to maintain their position atop the table. Martinez, adapting quickly to his new surroundings, is expected to feature prominently in the backline, bringing European experience and composure.
For the Al-Nassr striker, the mission remains clear – to continue rewriting football history. Having signed a lucrative new deal reportedly worth €257m (£235m/$280m) this season, he stands as the highest-earning footballer on the planet, far ahead of Lionel Messi’s €119m (£109m/$130m). Yet, despite the staggering numbers, his motivation remains rooted in performance, not pay cheques.
As both veterans chase new milestones – Ronaldo eyeing his 1,000th goal and Martinez seeking stability after a dramatic summer, Al-Nassr’s blend of ambition and experience could define the Saudi Pro League’s next chapter. For now, one thing is certain: in Riyadh, CR7 still lives and breathes football like no one else.