Al-Nassr's Triumph Secures Ronaldo's Eighth League Title Across Four Countries
In a defining moment for Saudi Arabian football, Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy for the first time after leading Al-Nassr to victory. The club signed the global superstar in December 2022 following his departure from Manchester United, a move that surprised many and elevated Saudi Arabia's presence on the international sports stage.
Despite his prolific scoring record, it took over three years for the 41-year-old to claim a major domestic title in Saudi Arabia. That wait ended on Thursday when Ronaldo scored twice in Al-Nassr's 4-1 win against Damac on the season's final day, overcoming fierce rivals Al-Hilal to secure the club's first championship since 2019.
Ronaldo, who recently marked his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League, has netted 129 goals for Al-Nassr across all competitions. This league title was the achievement he was brought in to accomplish.
The Biggest Game in Saudi Football History
Ronaldo's arrival nearly three and a half years ago marked the beginning of a significant transformation in Saudi football. His presence paved the way for other high-profile players such as Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, and Neymar to join the so-called 'Big Four' clubs: Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in Riyadh, and Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad in Jeddah.
In the summer of 2023, the country's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which also owns Newcastle United, took over these four clubs. However, a 70% stake in Al-Hilal was sold in April 2026 to Kingdom Holding Company, managed by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of the Saudi royal family.
This season has been the most competitive yet. Initially, four teams contended for the title, including Al-Ahli, powered by Ivan Toney's goals, and Al-Qadsiah, backed by Saudi oil giant Aramco. Under head coach Brendan Rodgers, there was an attempt to expand the Big Four into a Big Five, but these teams faltered in the final stages.
Ultimately, the championship battle narrowed to Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal, culminating in a dramatic showdown on 12 May. Organizers reported the match was broadcast in over 180 countries, making it possibly the most significant league game in Saudi Arabia's history.
The match delivered a thrilling conclusion. Al-Nassr led 1-0 entering the 97th minute, prompting early celebrations from their supporters. However, in the final play, Al-Hilal's goalkeeper Bento mishandled a routine catch, resulting in an own goal that leveled the score at 1-1. This draw kept the title race alive, but Al-Nassr secured the championship convincingly on Thursday.
Al-Nassr's 11th league title also marked Ronaldo's eighth league championship, adding to his previous successes in England with Manchester United, Spain with Real Madrid, and Italy with Juventus.
"Officials in Riyadh will likely see an Al-Nassr triumph as vindication of both Ronaldo's signing and of the decision to keep the club under PIF ownership," said Simon Chadwick, professor of Afro-Eurasian sport at Emlyon Business School in Paris, in an interview with the BBC.
"The league win will also help to confirm the Saudi view that success can be rapidly achieved given the right mix of domestic strategy and overseas acquisition. For Al-Nassr, to achieve the iconic status as some of its domestic and Asian rivals, the club must keep on winning and also secure continental titles."
This title is especially significant for Ronaldo following Al-Nassr's unexpected defeat to Japan's Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, Asia's equivalent of the Europa League, just days earlier.
Controversy and an Uncertain Future
The season was not without its controversies. In February, Ronaldo missed two league matches amid reports of concerns regarding the management of Al-Nassr by PIF compared to Al-Hilal. Some observers, however, believe the league favors Ronaldo.
Players such as Ivan Toney from Al-Ahli and Brazilian winger Galeno have publicly accused the league of bias towards Ronaldo and Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo responded to these claims, stating: "I think this is not good for the league. Everyone complains. This is football, this is not a war… but not everything is allowed. I am going to speak at the end of the season because I've seen many, many bad things. Many players have complained, doing posts on Instagram, on Facebook, speaking about the referees, speaking about the league, speaking about the project. This is not good. This is not the goal of the league."
Beyond football, Saudi Arabia's broader sports initiatives have faced scrutiny recently. In April, PIF announced it would cease funding LIV Golf after the current season. Earlier in January, the 2029 Winter Asian Games scheduled to be hosted by the country were postponed indefinitely. Additionally, reports indicate that the WTA's season-ending tennis finals will depart Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of their three-year contract this year.
In football, the era of frequent rumors about high-profile players joining the Saudi Pro League appears to have diminished.
Simon Chadwick remarked, "Ronaldo's and Al-Nassr's shared achievement may also bring some much-needed impetus to Saudi Arabian football, which of late has somewhat struggled to sustain the hype and appeal of three years ago."
Significant transfers continue, with Al-Qadsiah spending approximately £57 million on Italian striker Mateo Retegui last summer, and Al-Hilal acquiring Darwin Nunez for around £46 million. However, there is now a greater emphasis on recruiting younger players with potential resale value.
Sources in Riyadh indicate that funds remain available for the right veteran superstar, such as Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward, departing Liverpool this summer, is reportedly desired by Al-Ittihad, contingent on an acceptable transfer fee.
While Ronaldo's recent success may be viewed as justification for the extensive spending, it might also represent the final flourish of an era when Saudi clubs expended £700 million in a single transfer window.
"It is now for all the clubs, the league and the country's decision-makers to capitalise upon the success that Ronaldo has helped to deliver," Chadwick added.
For now, however, the yellow half of Riyadh and Ronaldo's global fanbase have much to celebrate.
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