Cristiano Ronaldo broke Saudi Arabia’s curse—and the world took notice. On Thursday night, the 41-year-old Portuguese superstar led Al-Nassr to their first league title since 2018/19, scoring a dramatic brace in a 4-1 win over Damac that secured the championship. With 973 career goals now under his belt, Ronaldo didn’t just win a trophy; he erased years of frustration for a club that had eluded him since joining in 2023. The match took place at the King Abdullah Sports City in Riyadh, where Al-Nassr entered the final matchday with 83 points—two clear of rivals Al-Hilal, who had already clinched their own victory earlier in the day. But the drama unfolded as Damac’s late equalizer, scored by Morley Sila via a penalty in the 58th minute, threatened to derail the title bid. Ronaldo responded with a free-kick in the 63rd minute to restore Al-Nassr’s lead, before sealing the deal with a header in the 81st. The final score: 4-1, a result that sent the stadium erupting—and left the Portuguese legend in tears.
The victory was the culmination of a season where Ronaldo, now 41, delivered 30 league goals and five assists in 30 appearances, proving age is just a number. His two goals against Damac pushed his total to 28 league goals—a staggering output that even his fiercest critics couldn’t ignore. The Saudi Pro League season had seen Ronaldo dominate the scoring charts, with his 30 goals placing him well ahead of the competition. “He did it again,” gushed Marca, while AS dubbed him “the king of Saudi Arabia.” But not everyone was celebrating.
“The curse is lifted—Ronaldo is immortal.”
—Spanish media, via Ynet
Wayne Rooney, Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammate, offered a stark contrast to the euphoria. In a rare public comment, he downplayed the achievement: “No offense, but this doesn’t interest anyone.” The remark stung—especially coming from a player who once shared the pitch with Ronaldo—but it underscored the divide between those who see the Saudi Pro League as a stepping stone and those who recognize its growing prestige. Rooney’s statement came amid broader discussions about the league’s evolving status, with many now acknowledging its role as a proving ground for global football talent.
A Title Long in the Making: How Al-Nassr Finally Won
Al-Nassr’s championship was never guaranteed. After losing a crucial match to Al-Hilal in the previous round, they entered the final day with just two points separating them. The stakes were high, and the pressure showed in Damac’s late equalizer—scored by Morley Sila via a penalty in the 58th minute. But Ronaldo’s response was swift and decisive. His first goal, a free-kick in the 63rd minute, restored Al-Nassr’s lead, and his second, a header in the 81st, sealed the victory. The final score of 4-1 sent the stadium erupting, and the celebrations were immediate and personal.
Al-Nassr’s victory was their 11th league title, their first since the 2018/19 season, and a testament to Ronaldo’s leadership. The club’s manager, Rafael Benítez, praised Ronaldo’s contribution, stating, “This title is as much his as it is ours. He has carried this team when it mattered most.” Benítez’s words reflected the club’s reliance on Ronaldo, who had been the focal point of their attack all season.
Ronaldo’s impact wasn’t limited to the league. He also scored four goals in the AFC Champions League, though Al-Nassr fell short in the final to Gamba Osaka. Despite the exit, his dual-threat season—30 league goals and five assists, plus four in Asia—cemented his status as the club’s undisputed leader. The Saudi Pro League had become a stage where Ronaldo could continue to rewrite history, and his performance this season had silenced critics who questioned whether the league could sustain his career.
The Numbers Behind the Drama: Al-Nassr’s Title Race
Al-Nassr’s championship was secured by a razor-thin margin. Entering the final matchday, they had 83 points, just two ahead of Al-Hilal, who had already clinched their own victory earlier in the day. The final standings saw Al-Nassr finish with 86 points, Al-Hilal with 84 points, and Damac in third with 52 points. The table below tells the story of a tightly contested season:
| Team | Points | Final Position |
| Al-Nassr | 86 | 1st |
| Al-Hilal | 84 | 2nd |
| Damac | 52 | 3rd |
The victory was Al-Nassr’s first league title in seven years, a feat that had eluded them despite their star-studded roster. The club’s depth was evident in their ability to secure the title even without Ronaldo’s full firepower, as he was substituted out in the 87th minute. The win also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League, which now boasts a roster of global stars including Sadio Mané, Kingsley Coman, and Robert Lewandowski, all of whom have contributed to the league’s rising profile.
The Aftermath: What’s Next for Ronaldo and Saudi Football?
The celebrations were immediate—and personal. Former Israel international Eran Zahavi, a vocal Ronaldo admirer, took to Instagram to react. His posts included a mute emoji (a nod to Ronaldo’s quiet demeanor) and a plea: “Just bring the World Cup, please.” The message went viral, capturing the global fascination with Ronaldo’s latest chapter. Zahavi’s reaction was shared widely, reflecting the widespread admiration for Ronaldo’s achievements in Saudi Arabia.
“Just bring the World Cup, please.”
—Eran Zahavi, via Sport1
Ronaldo’s next challenge? The 2026 World Cup. With Portugal’s campaign looming, the question isn’t if he’ll play, but how. At 41, he’s already defied expectations in Saudi Arabia, but the global stage will test him like never before. His goal tally now stands at 973, just 27 shy of Messi’s record. If he keeps scoring at this rate, history may repeat itself. The Saudi Pro League, once dismissed as a “retirement league,” is now a proving ground for legends, and Ronaldo’s success has elevated its status globally.
For Al-Nassr, the title is a statement: they’re not just a club with a star player—they’re a team capable of winning. The fact that they did it without Ronaldo’s usual firepower in the final stages speaks volumes about their depth. The club’s president, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Saud, emphasized the significance of the title, stating, “This victory is a milestone for Al-Nassr and for Saudi football. It shows that we are now a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.” His remarks underscored the broader implications of the win for Saudi football’s ambitions.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Win Matters Beyond Saudi Arabia
Ronaldo’s victory isn’t just about goals and titles—it’s about legacy. When he joined Al-Nassr in 2023, skeptics questioned whether the Saudi league could sustain his career. Now, with a championship under his belt and a global fanbase cheering, those doubts have faded. The win also signals a shift in how the world views Saudi football. No longer a sideshow, it’s now a serious contender in the global game.
The Saudi Pro League’s growing prestige was further highlighted by the presence of other global stars, including Sadio Mané, Kingsley Coman, and Robert Lewandowski, who have all contributed to the league’s rising profile. The league’s ability to attract such talent has drawn comparisons to Europe’s top divisions, with many now recognizing its role as a platform for players to extend their careers while maintaining high levels of performance.
For Ronaldo, the title is a stepping stone toward his next challenge: the 2026 World Cup. His performance in Saudi Arabia has reignited discussions about his potential impact on the global stage, with many speculating that he could play a key role in Portugal’s campaign. The question now isn’t if Ronaldo will leave a mark in 2026—it’s how big that mark will be. One thing is certain: after Thursday night, no one can say he hasn’t already.
The Saudi Pro League’s transformation under Ronaldo’s leadership has also had ripple effects across the region. Clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have followed suit by signing high-profile players, further boosting the league’s profile. The success of Al-Nassr’s title run has set a new standard for what can be achieved in the league, and other teams will undoubtedly look to replicate their success.