RIYADH – Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Damac FC on the final day of the season, ending the Portuguese superstar’s long wait for a major club trophy. The win secured Al Nassr’s first league title since Ronaldo’s arrival in Saudi Arabia in January 2023 and capped off a dramatic title race, with rivals Al Hilal finishing just two points behind. Ronaldo, who had not won a major domestic title since lifting the Serie A trophy with Juventus in 2020, delivered another trademark performance when his team needed him most. The 41-year-old struck twice in the second half, including a stunning free-kick and a powerful close-range finish, to guide Al Nassr to glory.
After Al Nassr saw their early two-goal advantage reduced to 2-1, Ronaldo restored control in the 63rd minute with a brilliantly placed free-kick that beat both the goalkeeper and a crowded penalty area. He then sealed the title nine minutes from time with a clinical finish from inside the six-yard box. Overcome with emotion, Ronaldo was seen in tears on the bench as the final whistle confirmed Al Nassr as champions. The Saudi title adds another major achievement to his glittering career, which already includes league triumphs in England, Spain and Italy, along with five UEFA Champions League titles.
Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 transformed the global profile of the Saudi Pro League and opened the door for several high-profile signings, including Karim Benzema and Neymar. The Portuguese icon also finished among the league’s leading scorers once again, taking his remarkable career tally to 973 goals, edging closer to the historic 1,000-goal milestone. Next for Ronaldo is international duty with Portugal national football team after being named in the squad for what could be his sixth FIFA World Cup campaign.
