Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly left Saudi Arabia amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East, with flight data showing the football star’s private jet departing Riyadh for Madrid on Monday evening.

Flight-tracking information indicated that Ronaldo’s £61 million Bombardier Global Express 6500 took off from the Saudi capital at about 8pm and landed in Madrid around 1am.

According to Flightradar24 data, the aircraft travelled westward over Egypt and across the Mediterranean before touching down in Spain, where the five-time Ballon d’Or winner previously starred for Real Madrid.

The development comes as thousands of residents and expatriates evacuate parts of the region following Iranian retaliatory strikes linked to recent attacks involving Israel and the United States.

Ronaldo’s sudden departure has fuelled speculation that he may be among those seeking temporary refuge outside the Gulf.

The 41-year-old forward currently plays for Al-Nassr and has lived in Riyadh since joining the club from Manchester United in December 2022.

Reports say he earns about £488,000 per day under his lucrative contract.

Ronaldo is also sidelined by injury after being substituted during Al-Nassr’s 3–1 win over Al Fayha on Saturday and is not expected to feature in the club’s next fixture.

Security concerns intensified on Tuesday after Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones struck the United States embassy in Riyadh, causing what officials described as a limited fire and minor material damage.

In response to the situation, Saudi Arabian football activities have been suspended, along with continental fixtures involving clubs from the region. The Asian Football Confederation announced the postponement of several matches.

“In light of the developing situation in the Middle East, the AFC Champions League Elite 2025/26 Round of 16 first-leg matches in the West Region, originally scheduled for March 2–3, 2026, will now be rescheduled,” the confederation said in a statement on Monday.

It added that AFC Champions League Two and AFC Challenge League quarter-final first-leg matches involving West Region teams, slated for March 3–4, 2026, have also been postponed until further notice, while fixtures in the East Region will proceed as planned.

“The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials and fans,” the statement said.

Riyadh has emerged as a key exit route for wealthy individuals and senior executives seeking to leave the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions.

According to Semafor, private security firms have been booking fleets of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to transport clients to Riyadh from Dubai and then charter private planes to take them out of the region.

The report said those evacuated include senior executives at global financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals in the region for business or leisure.

Ameerh Naran, Chief Executive of Private Jet Brokerage, Vimana Private, said private jets from Riyadh to Europe now cost as much as $350,000 (N479,113,600).

“Saudi Arabia is the only real option for people who want to get out of the region right now. Private jets from Riyadh to Europe now cost up to $350,000,” he said.

Also speaking, Ian McCaul, operations and future plans director at Alma Risk, UK-based security firm, said the company has received requests from a range of clients — including families, individuals and corporate organisations — seeking assistance to leave the region.

“We’ve been approached by a mixture of clients including families, individuals, and corporations that want to get out of the region either because their fear for their safety, or for business reasons they just need to be able to travel,” McCaul said.

Private jet flights from Riyadh to Europe in January generally range from $50,000 to over $150,000 for a one-way trip, depending on aircraft size, according to Fly Elite Jet.

The surge in flight fare followed reprisal attacks by Iran on the United States (US) military bases in the Middle East on Saturday morning, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, and Kuwait, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Daily Trust)

Update news