Cristiano Ronaldo at the Mrsool Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 3, 2023 (Reuters)

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo could make his Saudi Arabian debut on January 22 after he was successfully registered by his new team Al Nassr, a club source told AFP on Saturday.

Ronaldo, who was unveiled to fans this week, joined the team's squad list after Al Nassr terminated Manchester United-linked striker Vincent Aboubakar's contract in order not to violate the Saudi league's maximum of eight foreign nationals law.

The Portuguese will now be available for the January 22 home game against Ettifaq after completing a two-match ban issued in November for smashing a fan's mobile phone while playing for Manchester United.

"Al Nassr terminated Vincent Aboubakar's contract by mutual consent and he received all his financial rights," the club source confirmed, noting that Ronaldo was registered before Al Nassr's game against Al Ta'ee on Friday.

The Saudi official did not address reports that Aboubakar, 30, could be on his way to Manchester United, pointing out that the Cameroonian was now a free agent and could negotiate with any team.

It is noteworthy that Ronaldo, 37, signed with Al Nassr until June 2025, in a deal believed to be worth around 200 million euros.