Cristiano Ronaldo seals Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr victory

Cristiano Ronaldo Leads Al-Nassr to Saudi Pro League Title

Al-Nassr secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday, clinching the championship in their last game before the World Cup 2026. Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in the final half-hour of the match, including a trademark free-kick that sealed the win.

Ronaldo’s goals came after Al-Nassr took an initial 2-0 lead, but Damac equalized before Ronaldo’s free-kick evaded the goalkeeper and found the far corner. He struck again nine minutes from time, receiving a cut-back on the edge of the six-yard box and smashing high into the net.

The win marks Ronaldo’s first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr, adding to his collection of English, Spanish, Italian titles and five Champions League medals. The 41-year-old forward will now turn his attention to the World Cup, having been named in Portugal’s squad this week.

Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in 2023 was met with significant interest, and he has since become a prominent figure in the country’s football scene. His transfer to Al-Nassr sparked a series of high-profile signings, including Neymar and Karim Benzema.

The Saudi Pro League title is seen as an important milestone for the league, which aims to establish itself as one of the world’s top five competitions. However, international interest in the league has been limited, with some critics accusing Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” its human rights record through its investments in football and other sports.

Ronaldo’s performance on Thursday marked a significant moment for the forward, who had been without a major club trophy since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020. His next challenge will be to lead Portugal to success at the World Cup.

Source: Al Jazeera