Cristiano Ronaldo Secures First Saudi Pro League Title with Al-Nassr

Kuala Lumpur — Cristiano Ronaldo finally claimed his first Saudi Pro League championship with Al-Nassr, capping a dramatic final day of the season with a brace in a 4-1 victory over Damac on Thursday. The win ended a long wait for the 41-year-old superstar and delivered Al-Nassr’s first league title since 2019. 

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United, has been the face of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project. His arrival helped attract global stars like Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mané, and Neymar to the league’s “Big Four” clubs. Despite scoring 129 goals for the club across all competitions—including his 100th Saudi Pro League goal recently—this domestic title had remained elusive until now. 

The title race came down to the wire between Al-Nassr and fierce rivals Al-Hilal. A thrilling showdown on May 12, billed as one of the biggest league games in Saudi history and broadcast to over 180 countries, ended in a 1-1 draw after Al-Hilal goalkeeper Bento conceded a dramatic own goal in the 97th minute. That result kept the race alive, but Al-Nassr delivered a commanding performance on the final day to clinch the crown. 

This marks Ronaldo’s eighth league title across four countries, adding to his successes with Manchester United (England), Real Madrid (Spain), and Juventus (Italy). For Al-Nassr, it is their 11th domestic championship. 

The achievement provides a major boost for Saudi football amid questions about the sustainability of its high-spending era. Ronaldo’s signing was part of a broader strategy backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which took control of key clubs in 2023. Experts view the title as validation of the approach, blending local development with international talent. 

However, the season was not without challenges. Al-Nassr suffered a surprise defeat to Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final just days before the league climax. The campaign also featured controversy, including accusations of favorable treatment toward Ronaldo and Al-Nassr from players like Ivan Toney and Galeno. Ronaldo addressed the claims earlier in the year, calling for better standards in the league. 

As celebrations erupt among Al-Nassr’s yellow-clad supporters and Ronaldo’s global fanbase, attention now turns to the future. With the Saudi sports project facing shifts—including reduced funding in other areas and a move toward younger signings with sell-on potential—sustaining this momentum will be key for both the club and the league. 

For Ronaldo, a player who has redefined longevity in the sport, this long-awaited trophy cements his legacy as the poster boy of Saudi football’s rise on the world stage