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Dubai: The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo will make his return to the UAE on Tuesday night when Al Nassr take on Abu Dhabi side Al Ain in the AFC Champions League Elite at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
The Portuguese superstar has already enjoyed plenty of memorable moments in the Emirates, but not every trip has ended how he would have hoped. Here is a look back at his seven previous appearances in the UAE.
Real Madrid 2-4 AC Milan – December 2014
The Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Ronaldo’s first appearance in the UAE came during his famous Real Madrid days, when the Spanish giants faced AC Milan in the Dubai Football Challenge on December 30, 2014.
Despite Madrid eventually losing 4-2, Ronaldo found the net in front of a sell-out crowd at The Sevens Stadium.
Al Jazira 1-2 Real Madrid – December 2017
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Three years later, Ronaldo returned to the Emirates for the FIFA Club World Cup with Real Madrid.
Al Jazira stunned the European champions by taking the lead, but Ronaldo levelled in the second half before Gareth Bale completed the comeback to send Madrid into the final.
Real Madrid 1-0 Grêmio – December 2017
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Just three days later, Ronaldo was back at the same stadium for the Club World Cup final against Brazilian side Grêmio.
The Portuguese forward delivered once again, scoring the only goal of the match with a free-kick as Real Madrid lifted the trophy. It remains one of his most memorable UAE appearances.
Al Ain 1-0 Al Nassr – March 2024
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
Ronaldo’s next UAE appearance came after his move to Al Nassr, and it was against his next opponents.
Al Ain secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their AFC Champions League quarter-final, with Soufiane Rahimi scoring the decisive goal. Ronaldo had two efforts saved by goalkeeper Khalid Essa as Al Nassr struggled to break down the hosts.
Al Hilal 2-1 Al Nassr – April 2024
Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Just over a month later, Ronaldo was back in Abu Dhabi for the Saudi Super Cup semi-final against Al Hilal.
It proved another frustrating night as Al Nassr lost 2-1 and Ronaldo was sent off late in the game after an incident with Ali Al Bulayhi.
Al Wahda 2-4 Al Nassr – December 2025
Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Ronaldo returned to winning ways in the UAE in December 2025 when Al Nassr defeated Al Wahda 4-2 in a friendly.
He opened the scoring with a sharp finish and celebrated in trademark fashion in front of the Abu Dhabi crowd.
Al Wasl 0-4 Al Nassr – April 2026
Zabeel Stadium, Dubai
His most recent UAE appearance came in April, when Al Nassr travelled to Dubai to face Al Wasl in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
Ronaldo scored in an emphatic 4-0 victory at Zabeel Stadium, making it two consecutive UAE appearances in which he found the net.
Now, back to Al Ain
That leaves Ronaldo with seven previous UAE appearances, four wins, three defeats and five goals.
Tuesday’s meeting with Al Ain will be his eighth appearance in the Emirates, and a chance to rewrite the memories of his last visit to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.
