Ronaldo double clinches Al-Nasr title

Al-Nasr secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo led the team from the front with a brace in the victory, giving the Portuguese star his first taste of a domestic league title in a long time.

Al-Nasr’s victory on the final night of the season was crucial. A trademark free-kick from Ronaldo in the final half hour and another goal from close range sealed the victory. Al-Hilal finished runners-up in the league table, just two points behind.

Ronaldo, 41, has not won a major club trophy since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020. This is his first major league title since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2023. He was seen getting emotional as he watched the final moments from the bench after the match. He had previously won league titles in England, Spain and Italy and five Champions League titles.

Al-Nasr conceded a goal after leading 2-0 in the match. However, Ronaldo’s free kick beat the goalkeeper and found the back of the net in the 63rd minute. He completed his double with another goal from the edge of the six-yard box nine minutes from time. The all-time leading scorer in international football with 143 goals is now looking forward to his sixth World Cup for Portugal.

Ronaldo’s arrival in January 2023 paved the way for big stars to enter the Saudi league. Players like Neymar and Karim Benzema followed his path and migrated to Saudi Arabia. Since being announced as the host of the 2034 World Cup, the country has been using sports to expand its economy and tourism sector.

With a record number of followers on Instagram, Ronaldo is now acting as an ambassador for Saudi Arabia’s image change. Although the country has faced criticism for its huge investment in sports, the Saudi authorities have recently indicated that they are reducing investment in some of their expensive projects and golf tours.

Ronaldo’s Saudi chapter Ronaldo was the top scorer in the Saudi league in his first two seasons. His career tally now stands at 973, which is on the verge of the 1,000-goal milestone.

His Saudi chapter has not always been smooth sailing. He broke down in tears after losing the 2024 King’s Cup final. He also missed some matches, resenting the club for joining Benzema’s rival. Before Thursday’s title, his only success was the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup. While his defeat in the AFC Champions League Two final last Saturday left him somewhat disappointed, Thursday’s victory ended his long wait.