At Last in Saudi Arabia: Ronaldo Captures Title with Al Nassr

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Cristiano Ronaldo became a champion in Saudi Arabia yesterday as Al Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League title after a dramatic final matchday that brought pressure, but ultimately ended in celebration and relief. The Riyadh-based club produced a crucial victory to lift the trophy for the first time since 2015, ending a season defined by scrutiny and high expectations.

For Ronaldo, the title carries significant weight. Since joining Al Nassr, he has faced constant criticism for the lack of major silverware. Only days earlier, the club suffered disappointment in the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka, adding further pressure on both the team and their star forward.

The night began with nerves running high. A draw would have handed the title to Al Hilal, meaning Al Nassr could not afford any mistakes. The tension was evident early on, but Sadio Mané broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a header from a Joao Felix corner to lift the atmosphere inside the stadium.

Al Nassr doubled their advantage in the second half when Kingsley Coman unleashed a powerful long-range strike, set up by Abdullah Al Khaibari, putting the hosts within reach of the title.

However, Damac pulled one back just six minutes later from the penalty spot through Morlaye Sylla, briefly shifting momentum and raising anxiety at Al Awwal Park. At the same time, Al Hilal were winning their own fixture, keeping the title race on a knife edge.

With everything still at stake, Cristiano Ronaldo delivered when it mattered most. In the 62nd minute, he scored a free kick from the left side of the attacking third that found its way through a crowded area and into the bottom corner, a crucial strike that restored control for Al Nassr.

Ronaldo struck again in the 80th minute to complete his brace, finishing from the right side of the six-yard box with a right-footed effort into the top right corner. That second goal, his 973rd career strike, effectively sealed the title as Al Nassr went on to win 4-1 against Damac.

With the final whistle, Al Nassr secured a long-awaited league title and Ronaldo added another major honour to his extraordinary career. It is his first league championship in Saudi Arabia and ends a five-year drought without a domestic league crown.

The victory also represents a personal turning point. Ronaldo arrived in Saudi football amid questions about his motivation and the level of competition. Once again, he answered through performance and goals on the pitch.

Looking ahead, the Portuguese star now turns his attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal, where he will aim to crown his career with the one major international trophy that still eludes him.