Cristiano Ronaldo's Private Jet Flies Amid Middle East Tensions
Ronaldo's Jet Departure Amid Rising Tensions
On Monday evening, Cristiano Ronaldo's private aircraft took off from Riyadh, heading to Madrid, as tensions escalated in the Middle East. Flight tracking information revealed that the £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 left Saudi Arabia around 8 PM and arrived in Spain at 1 AM after flying over Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite the ongoing conflict leading to the suspension of commercial flights in the area, Ronaldo's jet successfully completed its journey. The 41-year-old football star is currently recovering from an injury sustained during Al-Nassr's 3-1 victory against Al Fahya. He has been living in Riyadh with his family since joining the Saudi club in December 2022.
| BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo’s £61m private Bombardier Global Express jet departed Saudi Arabia overnight as bombs struck the US embassy in Riyadh. Flight tracking shows the near seven-hour trip ended in Madrid. [@TheSun] pic.twitter.com/q5b5TOFggu
Impact of Conflict on Football
The ongoing unrest has led to the postponement of Al-Nassr's Asian Champions League quarter-final match against Al-Wasl, originally set for Wednesday. The Asian Football Confederation has announced that matches in the West Region will be rescheduled due to the situation.
Iran has initiated strikes on neighboring nations, including an attack on Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery, which has caused a spike in global oil prices. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence reported that two drones targeted the US embassy in Riyadh, resulting in minor damage.
Ronaldo upgraded to his current jet in 2024, replacing a Gulfstream G200. The Bombardier Global Express 6500 can accommodate 15 passengers and includes a suite with a double bed and shower. His fiancée, Georgina Rodriguez, recently utilized the aircraft for a trip to Milan, sharing her experiences with her followers.
In response to the escalating situation, the US Mission to Saudi Arabia has issued shelter-in-place advisories for Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran. Football activities across Saudi Arabia have been halted as the situation continues to evolve.