Ronaldo finally delivers Saudi League glory as Al-Nassr end six-year wait

Portuguese superstar crowns historic campaign with decisive double on final day

Cristiano Ronaldo finally achieved the milestone many expected when he arrived in Saudi Arabia, guiding Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title after a dramatic final day victory over Damac FC, Sport360NG reports. 

The 41-year-old scored twice in a commanding 4-1 win on Thursday as Al-Nassr edged fierce rivals Al-Hilal to secure their first league crown since 2019.

For Ronaldo, who joined the Riyadh club in December 2022 following his departure from Manchester United, the triumph represents the completion of the mission that transformed Saudi football’s global image.

Despite scoring 129 goals across all competitions for Al-Nassr and recently reaching 100 Saudi Pro League goals, questions had persisted over his inability to deliver a major domestic title until now.

Ronaldo’s arrival transformed Saudi football

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia marked the beginning of a new era for the league, triggering a flood of elite signings that included Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Neymar.

The Saudi Pro League’s so-called “Big Four” — Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad — became the centrepieces of the kingdom’s ambitious sporting project after the country’s Public Investment Fund took control of the clubs in 2023.

Although a majority stake in Al-Hilal was later sold to Kingdom Holding Company, owned by Saudi royal Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, the state-backed investment strategy continued to reshape the football landscape.

Title race delivers historic drama

This season developed into the most competitive in recent Saudi Pro League history.

Al-Ahli, inspired by the goals of former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, and ambitious Al-Qadsiah, managed by Brendan Rodgers, remained in contention deep into the campaign before fading in the closing weeks.

That left Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal battling for supremacy in what many viewed as the defining fixture of the season on 12 May.

The highly anticipated clash, reportedly watched in more than 180 countries, produced late drama after Al-Nassr appeared set for victory before goalkeeper Bento’s stoppage-time error handed Al-Hilal a dramatic equaliser in a 1-1 draw.

However, Ronaldo and his team avoided another collapse on the final day, delivering the victory required to clinch the title.

Eighth league crown for Ronaldo

The Saudi triumph adds another chapter to Ronaldo’s decorated career, marking his eighth league title across England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia.

He previously lifted league trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Sports business expert Simon Chadwick described the success as validation of Saudi Arabia’s long-term football strategy.

According to Chadwick, Al-Nassr’s title victory strengthens the belief among Saudi officials that rapid sporting success can be achieved through a combination of domestic planning and international recruitment.

He also suggested the club must continue winning consistently, including on the continental stage, to reach the stature enjoyed by some of Asia’s elite sides.

Season overshadowed by controversy

The title-winning campaign was not without turbulence.

Ronaldo missed two league matches in February amid reports of frustration over how Al-Nassr was being managed compared to rivals Al-Hilal. At the same time, critics accused the league of favouring both Ronaldo and his club.

Ivan Toney and Brazilian winger Galeno were among players who publicly questioned officiating decisions during the season.

Ronaldo later responded by criticising the growing negativity surrounding the league, warning that repeated complaints from players and clubs were damaging the competition’s image.

The Portuguese star insisted disagreements should not overshadow the league’s broader ambitions and called for greater unity within Saudi football.

Questions remain over Saudi football’s future

Ronaldo’s success comes at a time when Saudi Arabia’s wider sporting project faces increasing scrutiny.

Recent developments, including the decision by the Public Investment Fund to end funding for LIV Golf after the current season and the postponement of the 2029 Winter Asian Games, have raised questions about the sustainability of some projects.

There are also reports that the WTA Finals could leave Saudi Arabia once the current agreement expires later this year.

In football, the frenzy of superstar arrivals that defined 2023 has slowed considerably, with clubs increasingly prioritising younger talents with long-term market value.

Still, Saudi clubs continue to invest heavily when opportunities arise. Al-Qadsiah signed Italian striker Mateo Retegui for a reported £57m, while Al-Hilal secured Darwin Nunez in a deal worth around £46m.

Sources in Riyadh also suggest clubs remain interested in attracting elite names such as Mohamed Salah once he leaves Liverpool.

A defining moment for Ronaldo and Saudi football

For many observers, Al-Nassr’s title success represents more than just a domestic triumph.

It serves as a symbolic moment for Saudi football’s transformation, with Ronaldo remaining at the centre of the country’s sporting revolution nearly four years after his arrival.

Whether this marks the beginning of sustained dominance or the closing chapter of Saudi football’s extravagant spending era remains uncertain.

For now, however, Ronaldo, Al-Nassr and their supporters can celebrate a title that had long been expected, and finally delivered.