Jhon Duran‘s arrival at Al Nassr drew instant intrigue when rumors surfaced claiming he was commuting from Bahrain every day. Whispers of a 600-mile round trip gained traction online, fueled by speculation that Saudi law would prevent him from living with his girlfriend in Riyadh. Al Nassr wasted no time shutting down the gossip. “We all heard about what’s called ‘fake news,’ but this is obnoxiously funny fake news!” the club wrote on social media. “Jhon loves Riyadh and his house is near the club and the stadium. He is our new family member.”
Some had insisted Duran needed to avoid strict laws against unmarried couples cohabitating, an idea that painted him as an athlete trapped in a perpetual shuffle between countries. Yet both the club and Duran’s circle have made clear that he’s living in the Saudi capital. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s own arrangement in Riyadh, alongside partner Georgina Rodriguez, also shows that such rumors can be widely exaggerated.
A fresh start in Riyadh
Duran joined from Aston Villa for around $84 million, and is reportedly earning a weekly salary that surpasses $390,000. He says his choice to leave Europe was driven by personal ambition, not just financial gain. “Many people speculate, but only my family, my agent, and I know the reasons,” he shared upon signing. “Money doesn’t motivate me.” At 21, he’s eager to build on an already promising career, making him one of England’s most talked-about young forwards before his transfer.
Al Nassr is betting on his ability to grow into a genuine star. Duran’s new teammates, including Ronaldo, offer a unique environment to learn from legends while representing a league determined to expand its global profile. The club’s swift denial of the commuting story underscores its commitment to supporting Duran both on and off the pitch. Fans and pundits alike will be watching for his impact as he settles into life in Riyadh, far from the tabloid chatter about daily flights and border crossings.
“I’m thrilled to learn from the best football star in the world,” Duran has said of playing alongside Ronaldo. “I’m looking forward to growing alongside him.” Al Nassr’s statement leaves little doubt about whether Duran needs to fly in from Bahrain each morning. Instead, it suggests a more grounded reality, where the player is simply focused on his game and adapting to a new country. The chatter may linger, but the club’s response has made one thing clear: Jhon Duran is home in Riyadh.
