Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo finally learns Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam’s status for Al-Nassr’s key Saudi Pro League title fixture vs Damac

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

With Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam dominating conversations around the squad, Jorge Jesus now faces major decisions before the decisive clash against Damac at Al-Awwal Park. The tension surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr has reached another level ahead of the final night of the Saudi Pro League season. With Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam dominating conversations around the squad, Jorge Jesus now faces major decisions before the decisive clash against Damac at Al-Awwal Park. Al-Nassr enters the final round knowing the title is within reach, but recent setbacks have left nerves running through the camp. The Riyadh giant remains at the top of the table with 83 points, yet the margin for error has become dangerously small after dropping points against Al-Hilal and the painful AFC Champions League Two final defeat against Gamba Osaka. The final matchday has become a dramatic showdown for both ends of the table. Al-Nassr needs a victory against Damac to officially secure the Saudi Pro League title without relying on any other result. The club looked ready to celebrate last week during the Riyadh derby before a heartbreaking late equalizer denied Jorge Jesus’ side all three points. That result kept Al-Hilal alive in the title race and increased the pressure heading into the final fixture of the campaign. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka Damac, meanwhile, arrives fighting for survival. The club sits only two points above the relegation zone, meaning even a draw could become crucial depending on other results around the league. The major injury update finally arrives After days of uncertainty, the long-awaited update on the squad situation has finally emerged. According to reports from Arriyadiyah, Jorge Jesus will be without Marcelo Brozovic and Sultan Al-Ghannam for the decisive encounter against Damac due to injury concerns. The Croatian midfielder has reportedly continued to struggle with a groin and hamstring issue that already forced him to miss the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka. Despite additional treatment sessions supervised by the club’s medical staff, the Croatian midfielder has not recovered in time for the title decider. Marcelo Brozovic of Al Nassr The absence of the 33-year-old veteran could prove especially significant because of his influence in midfield throughout the campaign. The Croatian has been one of the side’s most experienced figures, helping control possession and dictate the rhythm in crucial matches. Meanwhile, Al-Ghannam’s situation also became increasingly complicated after the injury he suffered during the continental final. The report suggested the Saudi international still required additional recovery time, forcing Jorge Jesus to prepare alternative tactical solutions before the biggest match of the season. Jorge Jesus prepares final plan Despite the setbacks, Al-Nassr still enters the contest with confidence thanks to its dominant home record. The club is unbeaten in its last nine Saudi Pro League home matches and has scored in every league fixture this season. Jesus has already called up a 21-player squad for the final pre-match camp in Riyadh. Jorge Jesus team Manager of Al-Nassr FC and Al-Nassr FC Players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans. Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Sadio Mane, Kingsley Coman, Angelo Gabriel, and Mohamed Simakan were all included as the coaching staff finalized preparations for the decisive night. Thus, everything now comes down to one night in Riyadh. After years of waiting, Cristiano Ronaldo stands one victory away from winning his first Saudi Pro League title since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023.

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Cristiano Ronaldo faces nervous wait as Al-Nassr receives crucial injury update on Kingsley Coman and two other players ahead of Saudi Pro League title dream vs Damac

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

The Saudi Pro League championship is up for grabs as Al-Nassr prepares for its crucial match against Damac, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman are likely to be the stars of the show. The Saudi Pro League championship is up for grabs as Al-Nassr prepares for its crucial match against Damac, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Kingsley Coman are likely to be the stars of the show. The Riyadh club enters the final round under enormous pressure, knowing that one strong performance at Al-Awwal Park could finally deliver the championship after months of relentless competition. The atmosphere around the club has intensified even further following recent uncertainty surrounding several important first-team players. Jorge Jesus and his coaching staff spent the last few days anxiously monitoring the physical condition of multiple stars before making final decisions ahead of Thursday’s title showdown. Al-Nassr supporters are expected to fill the stadium completely as anticipation continues to grow across Saudi Arabia. With Ronaldo leading the attack and the club sitting on top of the table with 83 points, the match has quickly become one of the most anticipated fixtures of the entire season. The timing of the encounter has only increased the tension surrounding the squad. Al-Nassr arrives after suffering a painful 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, a result that denied the club continental glory and placed even greater importance on securing the domestic title. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka Al-Nassr faces massive pressure The equation for Al-Nassr remains straightforward heading into the final weekend. A victory against Damac would officially crown the club Saudi Pro League champion without relying on any other result. That reality has transformed preparations into an intense balancing act between tactical work and injury management. The club has spent the week carefully assessing the condition of several players who missed recent matches because of muscle problems and fitness concerns. Earlier reports indicated that Kingsley Coman, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Angelo Gabriel were all undergoing specialized rehabilitation programs before training sessions. The group reportedly completed electrical therapy and stretching exercises as the medical department attempted to accelerate their recovery ahead of the decisive encounter. Kingsley Coman of team Al-Nassr FC during a game. The final decisions depended on whether the players could train pain-free alongside the rest of the squad. Jorge Jesus reportedly wanted every available option ready before selecting his starting lineup for the season-defining match. Crucial injury update arrives with Brozovic still in doubt Al-Nassr then received a major boost during the latest training session. According to reports from Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, and Kingsley Coman all returned to full group training ahead of the clash with Damac. The trio reportedly completed the entire session at the Dar Al-Nassr training center after recovering from the muscle injuries that forced them to miss the AFC Champions League Two final. Their availability immediately strengthened optimism inside the club before the decisive league fixture. Coman’s recovery could prove especially significant for Jorge Jesus. The French winger has become an important attacking weapon during crucial moments this season, bringing pace, creativity, and experience to the frontline alongside Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. One last battle remains ⏳💛 pic.twitter.com/X40JbHZeHy— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 19, 2026 Additional reports suggested that Coman had already declared himself fully fit and ready to start against Damac. Meanwhile, Al-Khaibari was said to be nearing full fitness after progressing well during the final rehabilitation phase. The return of Al-Amri also

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Cristiano Ronaldo watches rival Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal carefully as major Simone Inzaghi decision emerges after Jorge Jesus’ Al-Nassr’s likely exit

worldsoccertalk.com · 3 weeks ago

While the two Riyadh giants remain separated by just two points, growing uncertainty around both managers has suddenly added another layer of tension to the final days of the campaign. The Saudi Pro League title race has become even more dramatic as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus at Al-Nassr continue battling Karim Benzema’s Al-Hilal side, led by Simone Inzaghi, with only one match remaining in the season. While the two Riyadh giants remain separated by just two points, growing uncertainty around both managers has suddenly added another layer of tension to the final days of the campaign. Al-Nassr currently leads the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal sits close behind on 81 points after 33 matches. As both clubs chase domestic glory, reports emerging from Italy and Saudi Arabia suggest major changes could soon arrive on the benches of both title contenders. The Saudi Pro League title battle will go down to the final round after Al-Hilal kept its hopes alive with a victory over NEOM. That result ensured Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr could not celebrate the championship early, leaving the pressure firmly on Jorge Jesus and his players ahead of the decisive matchday. Al-Nassr knows that a victory over Damac will secure the club’s first domestic league title since 2019, regardless of what happens elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Blue Waves must defeat Al-Fayha and hope its rival drops points if the club wants to complete a late comeback and secure a record-extending 20th league title. The tension surrounding the title race has only intensified because of the uncertainty around both managers. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr reacts Reports in recent days have suggested that Jorge Jesus is already considering his future away from Al-Nassr despite leading the club through one of its strongest campaigns in recent years. According to ESPN Brasil journalist Bruno Andrade, the veteran Portuguese coach does not intend to renew his contract beyond the current season. His long-term ambition is reportedly linked to the Portugal national team job after the 2026 World Cup. Simone Inzaghi’s future suddenly becomes uncertain At the same time, attention has also turned toward Al-Hilal boss Simone Inzaghi. The Italian coach arrived in Saudi Arabia last summer after leaving Inter, signing a lucrative two-year deal reportedly worth around $30 million per season. However, despite impressive results on paper, reports now indicate that Simone Inzaghi is expected to leave Al-Hilal after only one season in charge. The decision is expected to become official after the club’s final league match. Karim Benzema of Al Hilal celebrates with his coach Simone Inzaghi According to reports from TuttoMercatoWeb, dissatisfaction over expensive summer signings and changes within the club’s ownership structure played a major role in shaping the situation. Several high-profile transfers reportedly failed to meet expectations, placing added pressure on the coaching staff despite the team remaining competitive throughout the season. Inzaghi’s overall numbers remain extremely strong. Under his leadership, Al-Hilal played 51 matches, winning 37, drawing 12, and losing only twice. Still, expectations at Al-Hilal go beyond strong statistics. The club expects dominance both domestically and internationally, especially after investing heavily in the squad during the summer transfer window. Why Al-Hilal may still move on despite strong results Although Al-Hilal remains unbeaten for most of the season and continues fighting for the title until the final day, internal expectations reportedly remain much higher. Expensive arrivals such as Darwin Nunez reportedly failed to fully convince the club hierarchy, creating frustration behind the scenes. Simone Inzaghi of Al-Hilal The report also indicates that a recent ownership change at Al-Hilal has influenced the club’s direction moving forward. The new leadership is believed to be considering a different long-term vision despite Inzaghi maintai

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Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly gets Al Nassr boost as Kingsley Coman recovers for final SPL game

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo is on the verge of winning the Saudi Pro League, and for the decisive game against Damac FC, he'll be reportedly counting with Al Nassr star Kingsley Coman. Cristiano Ronaldo will have the chance to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title this Thursday in a high-stakes season finale against Damac FC, a match where he’ll need the absolute best from himself and his supporting cast. In a significant boost for the winner-take-all clash, reports claim that Al Nassr star winger Kingsley Coman has fully recovered and will be available. The Saudi powerhouse took a massive emotional hit on Saturday, crashing out of the AFC Champions League Two final with a 1-0 loss to Gamba Osaka. While dreams of a historic double have faded, the squad has no time to lick its wounds with another trophy on the line in less than a week, and Ronaldo is already seeing reinforcements return to the pitch. According to Saudi outlet Al Arriyadiyah, Coman has shown complete readiness to rejoin the starting XI for the match against Damac FC. Al Nassr returned to the training grounds on Monday following a scheduled rest day on Sunday, and the Frenchman reportedly participated fully without showing any signs of lingering physical discomfort. Despite being one of the team’s most lethal weapons, Coman began the final against Gamba Osaka on the bench due to a recent muscle strain, a pre-match gamble manager Jorge Jesus later addressed. “Our team is physically exhausted, and we took a gamble by playing Coman and Angelo,” the Portuguese tactician admitted during his post-match press conference. Kingsley Coman of Al Nassr. The French winger eventually entered the match in the 66th minute but struggled to alter the momentum with Al Nassr already chasing the game. However, with Al Arriyadiyah reporting a full recovery, Ronaldo will have his primary playmaker back in the fold, a crucial connection, considering five of the 12 assists Coman has delivered in his debut Al Nassr campaign have directly set up the Portuguese legend. Brozovic remains the biggest question mark for Al Nassr With Coman cleared, Al Nassr are expected to deploy a terrifying, star-studded attack featuring the Frenchman and Sadio Mane on the flanks, Joao Felix operating as a false nine, and Ronaldo spearheading the frontline. However, that immense firepower could face transitional issues in the buildup and defensive phases, as midfield anchor Marcelo Brozovic remains a major doubt. The same report from Al Arriyadiyah all but ruled out a quick return for the Croatian international. The veteran midfielder, who was sorely missed during the continental final against Gamba Osaka, spent Monday continuing his rehabilitation and treatment sessions inside the medical clinic at the “Dar Al-Nassr” training center. On paper, Al Nassr enter the match as heavy favorites against a 15th-place Damac side sitting on just 29 points. But with the visitors needing a single point to mathematically guarantee safety from relegation, and boasting a direct style that ranks third in the SPL in long balls per game (21.1), playing without Brozovic to shield the backline could cost Ronaldo’s side dearly.

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Al Nassr vs Gamba Osaka confirmed lineups: Cristiano Ronaldo starts in the AFC Champions League Two final

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

The confirmed lineups for Al Nassr vs Gamba Osaka with Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup. A big day lies ahead for Cristiano Ronaldo as he looks to add another title to his great career, with Al Nassr facing Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final in Riyadh. While the focus was on the Saudi Pro League earlier this week, attention now shifts fully to this final. Al Nassr want to keep their perfect record after reaching this match by winning all 10 of their games. The road was a bit longer for Gamba Osaka, as they had to play two more matches than their rivals. Even so, their run was impressive, with 9 wins in 12 matches and only one loss. Al Nassr vs. Gamba Osaka lineups The lineup chosen by Jorge Jesus was: Bento; Boushal, Simakan, Iñigo, Ayman; Alhassan, Saad; Ghareeb, Mané, João Félix; Ronaldo. Ronaldo couldn’t celebrate in the week (Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) As for the Japanese club managed by Jens Wissing, the players he selected were: Araki; Miura, Kishimoto, Nakatani, Hatsuse; Suzuki, Mito; Meshino, Jebali, Yamashita; Hümmet. Their league positions Al Nassr are on the verge of winning the Saudi Pro League, which they could do today if Al Hilal do not beat Neom. If that happens, they would only need a win over Damac in the final match. Gamba Osaka are in a different situation, as they have played 17 matches so far and currently sit third in the J1 League.

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How Al-Hilal’s result vs NEOM could impact Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr title chances in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

With Karim Benzema's Al-Hilal hosting NEOM at the Kingdom Arena, the outcome of that match could dramatically shape what happens on the final weekend of the campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are now just one step away from lifting the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title, but the championship race still carries a final twist before the season reaches its conclusion. With Karim Benzema‘s Al-Hilal hosting NEOM at the Kingdom Arena, the outcome of that match could dramatically shape what happens on the final weekend of the campaign. The title race looked almost over after Al-Nassr’s dramatic Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal earlier in the week. However, a late equalizer kept the defending challenger alive in the race and ensured the championship battle would continue into Matchday 33. Al-Nassr currently sits at the top of the table with 83 points from 33 matches, while Al-Hilal remains second with 78 points from 32 games. Simone Inzaghi’s side still has two matches left to play, beginning with Saturday’s home encounter against NEOM before a final-day trip to Al-Fayha. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr has only one remaining league fixture, a home meeting with Damac on Matchday 34. The Blue Waves’ campaign has been extraordinary despite trailing in the title race. The club remains unbeaten in the Saudi Pro League, recording 23 wins and nine draws through 32 matches while scoring 82 goals and conceding just 27. The dramatic 1-1 draw against Ronaldo’s side extended the club’s unbeaten league streak and kept faint hopes alive. Saudi Pro League 2025/26*Latest Table Standing#SaudiProLeague pic.twitter.com/1g6cvlRk8k— roslisyed (@roslisyed1) May 14, 2026 Had Al-Nassr held on for victory in that derby, the title would already have been mathematically secured. Instead, Al-Hilal now enters Matchday 33 knowing that only a victory against NEOM can keep pressure on the leader. What happens if Al-Hilal wins? A victory is the only result that keeps the championship race alive. If Al-Hilal defeats NEOM, it would climb to 81 points, cutting Al-Nassr’s lead to just two points ahead of the final weekend. That would send the title race into Matchday 34 and place huge pressure on Ronaldo’s side before facing Damac. Ruben Neves looks on following the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. In that scenario, Al-Hilal would still need help. The club would have to beat Al-Fayha in its final game while also hoping Al-Nassr fails to win against Damac. The pressure would become enormous because one slip from its city rival could completely change the destination of the trophy at the last possible moment. What happens if the match ends in a draw? A draw would be enough to hand the title to Al-Nassr. Should Al-Hilal collect only one point, it would move to 79 points with one game remaining. Even a victory against Al-Fayha on the final day would only take the team to 82 points, still below Al-Nassr’s current tally of 83 points. That means a draw at Kingdom Arena would mathematically eliminate Al-Hilal from the title race. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr would then celebrate the championship before kicking a ball against Damac. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr reacts For Al-Hilal, such a result would be especially painful considering the club’s unbeaten season. Going through an entire league campaign without defeat and still failing to win the title would be a cruel ending. What happens if Al-Hilal loses? This is the simplest scenario in the title race. If Al-Hilal loses at home to NEOM, the club would remain on 78 points with only one match left to play. That would leave Simone Inzaghi and his players unable to catch Al-Nassr’s current total of 83 points. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr In that case, Al-Nassr would officially be crowned Saudi Pro League champions before even facing Damac on the final matchday. Ronaldo’s side would secure the trophy without needing another result. Such an outcome would complete a remarkable campaign for Al-Nassr, which has spent much

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Cristiano Ronaldo braced for shock exit: Jorge Jesus reportedly decides against Al-Nassr renewal as his preferred destination emerges in post-2026 World Cup twist

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Cristiano Ronaldo could soon experience another major change at Al-Nassr, with growing reports suggesting Jorge Jesus is already preparing for life away from the Riyadh giant once the season comes to an end. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon experience another major change at Al-Nassr, with growing reports suggesting Jorge Jesus is already preparing for life away from the Riyadh giant once the season comes to an end. The Portuguese manager has enjoyed an impressive campaign at the club, yet recent developments indicate his long-term future may already be decided despite the team still competing for major silverware. At the same time, the Portuguese duo remains fully focused on delivering success in both domestic and continental competition. With the Saudi Pro League title race still alive and an AFC Champions League Two final approaching, the timing of the speculation surrounding Jorge Jesus has created even more intrigue around the club’s immediate future. According to reports from ESPN Brasil journalist Bruno Andrade, Jorge Jesus does not intend to renew his contract with Al-Nassr beyond the current campaign. Although the veteran coach is said to be happy with life in Saudi Arabia, his ambitions reportedly stretch far beyond club soccer. “Jorge Jesus does not intend to renew his contract with Al-Nassr for the next season,” the report stated, while also revealing that the Portuguese tactician is already thinking about another dream role in soccer management. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr reacts The update comes as a major surprise considering the strong season Al-Nassr has produced under Jesus. The club remains in contention for a domestic and continental double, while Ronaldo himself has enjoyed one of the most productive campaigns of his career despite already being 41 years old. Jesus’ dream destination comes to light The report has also revealed the deeper motivation that lies in Jesus’ future. Apparently, the 71-year-old’s preferred destination is the Portugal national team job after the 2026 World Cup, with current coach Roberto Martinez expected to leave after the tournament. That option instantly alters the context of his current situation in Al-Nassr. Rather than negotiating a new long-term contract in the Middle East, Jesus reportedly wants to position himself as a leading candidate to guide Portugal into the 2030 World Cup cycle, especially with the tournament set to be hosted partly by Portugal. “The coach has the ambition to take over the command of the Portugal national team after the World Cup,” ESPN Brasil added. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal hugs head coach Roberto Martinez For Portuguese soccer, the possibility carries enormous significance. Jesus has built one of the most decorated managerial careers in Portuguese club history, and managing the national team would represent the final major challenge of his coaching journey. And with Jose Mourinho nearing a return to Real Madrid, the path ahead of him is all but paved. Defining summer approaching for Al-Nassr The next few weeks could reshape the future of the club entirely. Ronaldo may finally secure the league title he has chased for years, while Jorge Jesus could potentially leave after delivering one of the most successful seasons in recent Al-Nassr history. At the same time, the possibility of him becoming Portugal manager after the 2026 World Cup adds another fascinating layer to the story. For now, though, the veteran boss appears determined to finish the season strongly before making any official move.

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Cristiano Ronaldo faces potential blow in AFC Champions League Two and SPL title race as Marcelo Brozovic suffers injury

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo could end up receiving another squad blow during the push for the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Two with Al Nassr star Marcelo Brozovic having to come off against Al Hilal due to injury. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to clinch the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday and put an end to Al Nassr‘s long trophy drought, but both the title and the AFC Champions League Two remain within reach. However, a significant obstacle has emerged in that double pursuit, with star midfielder Marcelo Brozovic picking up an injury during the match. Al Nassr hosted a pivotal game against Al Hilal that ended in a 1-1 draw, denying Ronaldo the chance to lift the SPL trophy on the night. Mohamed Simakan had put the hosts in front in the 37th minute, but a costly goalkeeping error from Bento in stoppage time allowed Al Hilal to equalize, and a separate moment during the match raised alarm bells for Al Nassr’s immediate future. Around the 68th minute, Brozovic began showing signs of discomfort in the groin area, noticeably unable to sprint at full speed while tracking back against Al Hilal’s attackers. Shortly afterward, with the opposition still in possession, the Croatian turned toward the coaching staff on the sideline and gestured to be replaced. Brozovic was withdrawn in the 72nd minute, with Jorge Jesus sending on Nader Al-Sharari in his place. Up to that point, the former Inter Milan midfielder had completed 26 passes and won the ball back five times, once again demonstrating his value as a cornerstone of the team’s midfield structure. بروزوفيتش يطلب التبديل، ومن ثم يخرج ويدخل نادر الشراري 🔁#النصر_الهلال | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/wPaJkjYe89— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 12, 2026 What did Jorge Jesus say about Brozovic? No official injury update has been issued on Brozovic’s condition, but the apparent groin complaint that cut his night short leaves little room for optimism. Jesus addressed the impact of his substitution in the post-match press conference without specifying an expected recovery timeline. “After Brozovic’s injury, I brought on Nader, but after those substitutions the team became more defensive-minded,” Jesus said. “As a result, we were unable to attack and score the second goal. We tried to protect our lead, but everyone saw the way the equalizer was conceded,” he added. A key injury at the worst possible time Brozović has been one of Al Nassr‘s most consistent performers throughout his time alongside Ronaldo at the club. In the 2025-26 season, the Croatian has appeared in 40 games, contributing one goal and five assists, but his numbers barely scratch the surface of his true value. It is the structure and authority he provides in the midfield that makes him indispensable, both in build-up play and in the team’s defensive shape. While Al Hilal’s late equalizer has kept the title race alive, Al Nassr have a crucial appointment on Saturday, May 16, when they face Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, giving Ronaldo the chance to lift his first continental club trophy in the Middle East. Then, on the 21st, Al Nassr host Damac FC in what could be the title-deciding game of the Saudi Pro League season, depending on how Al Hilal fare in their remaining fixtures. With midfielders Angelo and Abdullah Al-Khaibari already sidelined by hamstring injuries ahead of the Al Hilal derby, the prospect of Brozovic, who is also expected to feature for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, missing the run-in could represent a serious blow to Ronaldo’s hopes of completing the double.

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Cristiano Ronaldo rallies Al Nassr in Saudi Pro League title race after Al Hilal tie: ‘The dream is close’

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Following the draw against Al Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message of encouragement to Al Nassr as the club continues its pursuit of the Saudi Pro League title. Al Nassr drew 1-1 against Al Hilal on Tuesday, missing a golden opportunity to clinch the Saudi Pro League title. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, shared an optimistic message with the club’s fans afterward. “The dream is close. Heads up, we have one more step to take!” Ronaldo wrote on his official Instagram and X accounts on Tuesday, just minutes after a bizarre mistake by goalkeeper Bento denied Al Nassr both the victory and the title. “Thank you all for the amazing support tonight!” the Portuguese forward added, acknowledging the thousands of fans who backed the team during the crucial clash against Al Hilal, as well as the millions around the world who continue to follow him throughout every stage of his professional career. Despite its brevity, the message reflected a dramatic shift in Ronaldo’s mindset within just a matter of minutes. In the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, he appeared deeply affected by the missed opportunity for Al Nassr, to the point that television cameras captured him still sitting on the bench while being comforted by members of the coaching staff. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) Fans strongly rallied behind Cristiano’s words. Within just a few minutes, the Instagram post surpassed 500,000 likes and 15,000 comments, most of them containing messages of support for the 40-year-old star. The same happened on X, where the post also generated more than 80,000 likes and 7,000 comments. Cristiano Ronaldo’s upcoming challenges Cristiano Ronaldo’s optimistic message is fitting considering the challenges that await him in the short term. Al Nassr are just one step away from securing not one, but two titles this season — and it could happen as soon as next Saturday. First, Jorge Jesus’ team will attempt to lift the AFC Champions League Two trophy when they face Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the final at Alawwal Park. There, Ronaldo will have the opportunity to win the sixth continental trophy of his career, after capturing one UEFA Champions League title with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid. That same day, he could also celebrate winning the Saudi Pro League title. While Al Nassr will not play, Al Hilal will face Neom. If Karim Benzema and his teammates fail to win that match, they will no longer have a chance to compete for the league trophy, officially handing the title to Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr. And even if Al Hilal win that game, Al Nassr will still remain top of the standings with a two-point lead. That means a victory next Tuesday against Damac would secure the trophy regardless of Al Hilal’s result against Al Fayha happening at the same time.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr tie to Al Hilal, missing huge chance in Saudi Pro League title race

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Al Nassr and Al Hilal face each other in a title-defining clash in the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League, giving Cristiano Ronaldo the opportunity to win his first title with the club. With both teams fighting for the league title, the match is expected to be highly competitive. Al Nassr and Al Hilal faced each other in a match that seemed destined to decide the Saudi Pro League champion. Jorge Jesus’ team did not start the game well, as they were dominated by Simone Inzaghi’s side during the first half. Despite this, a goal from Mohamed Simakan appeared to turn the match around, bringing Cristiano Ronaldo closer to his first league title with the team. However, a mistake from Bento handed the equalizer to the opposition in the final minutes For much of the first half, Al Hilal established as the dominant side. Relying on high pressing and excellent collective play, they managed to pin Al Nassr back inside their own area. Nevertheless, Karim Benzema and Kanno failed to convert their scoring chances, missing a huge opportunity to put the match away efficiently. Then, Mohamed Simakan scored a goal that completely changed the course of the game. Although Jorge Jesus’ team were dominated during the first half, they still managed to remain competitive thanks to Sadio Mané, who led the entire attack with an outstanding performance. Nevertheless, it was Simakan’s goal that changed the game, as Al Hilal dropped deep into their own area while Al Nassr began to take control. Far from slowing down, they maintained that same intensity in the second half, but failed to extend their lead. Ruben Neves looks on following the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. Simakan’s goal for Al Nassr was overshadowed by Bento’s mistake Toward the end of the first half, Al Nassr caught Al Hilal by surprise, regaining momentum on the counterattack and earning a corner kick. After an excellent delivery from Marcelo Brozović, several players attempted to strike the ball without success. Nevertheless, a rebound fell kindly to Mohamed Simakan, who did not hesitate to unleash a powerful shot, beating Yassine Bounou and seemingly handing Cristiano Ronaldo the Saudi Pro League title. 🚨قووووووووووووووووووووول 🔥🔥#النصر_الهلال #SPL#دوري_روشن_السعودي #النصر #AlNassr pic.twitter.com/VdRV7Hhrzp— رتيبان الدوسري | RTIBAN (@Rtiban1) May 12, 2026 After a very balanced second half, the match appeared set to end in a victory for Jorge Jesus’ team. Nevertheless, in the 90+8th minute, a powerful throw-in from an Al Hilal player reached Bento Krepski. Although the Brazilian goalkeeper had delivered a strong performance throughout the match, he failed to control the ball properly, allowing it to slip through his hands and resulting in an own goal that handed the equalizer to the opposition. Bento with an unfortunate 90+8' own goal ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/IaBAaeIf6v— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 12, 2026

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Video: Bento’s bizarre mistake prevents Cristiano Ronaldo from celebrating his first title with Al Nassr

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Al Nassr were on the verge of winning the Saudi Pro League title, but a costly mistake by Bento denied Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to celebrate. The Saudi Pro League delivered its biggest match of the season on Tuesday. With Al Nassr on the brink of the title, a late mistake by Bento kept Al Hilal alive and prevented Cristiano Ronaldo from celebrating his first trophy in Saudi Arabia. With two matches remaining in the 2025-26 season, Al Nassr entered the game knowing that a victory would secure the title, as it would eliminate their rivals’ chances of catching them in the standings. And Jorge Jesus’ team appeared to be taking care of business. In the 37th minute of the first half, Mohamed Simakan gave Al Nassr the lead after scoring from a scramble inside the box. Aware of how valuable that advantage was, they defended well for the remainder of the match, giving their opponents very few dangerous opportunities. However, that resistance collapsed on the final play of the game. With Cristiano Ronaldo already on the bench after being substituted by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, goalkeeper Bento failed while attempting to clear a throw-in and scored a bizarre own goal that allowed Al Hilal to equalize, keeping the Saudi Pro League title race alive. ¡NO SE PUEDE CREER! 😱 Autogol del portero Bento que evita el grito de campeón de CR7 y compañía. #SPLenFOX #FOXDeportes pic.twitter.com/Y6POeZRrsZ— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) May 12, 2026 Perhaps the strangest part of Bento’s mistake is that the goal was only possible — and ultimately counted — because of the goalkeeper’s touch. FIFA rules prohibit teams from scoring directly from a throw-in, meaning the ball must touch another player, either teammate or opponent, before entering the net. That means if Bento had simply allowed the ball to go into the goal untouched, the score would have been disallowed and Al Nassr would have secured both the victory and the title. Cristiano Ronaldo’s wait for a title with Al Nassr continues Cristiano Ronaldo came within seconds of ending the title drought that has followed him since arriving in Saudi Arabia in January 2023. Since then, Al Nassr have failed to win any of the three Saudi Pro League seasons they have played, while also falling short in the King’s Cup, the Saudi Super Cup, and the AFC Champions League Elite. That context helps explain Ronaldo’s reaction after Bento’s own goal. Once the match ended, TV cameras captured the Portuguese forward on the bench, visibly devastated and still lamenting the missed opportunity. All of us right now 😢 pic.twitter.com/d2XGs0XPsc— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 12, 2026 What does the Saudi Pro League race look like now? Al Hilal’s late equalizer leaves the Saudi Pro League title race wide open. Al Nassr still lead the standings by five points, but there is one important detail working against them: Al Hilal have played one fewer match, meaning they control their own destiny to close the gap. On Saturday, May 16, Al Hilal will face Neom. If they fail to win, Al Nassr will officially be crowned Saudi Pro League champions. But if they earn the victory, they will move within just two points of first place with one match remaining. That final round will take place only three days later: on May 21, Al Hilal will take on Al Fayha, while Al Nassr will face Damac.

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Why isn’t Angelo playing today for Al Nassr vs Al Hilal in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League clash?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Al Nassr have established as the clear favorites to become champions of the 2025–26 Saudi Pro League, needing a victory over Al Hilal. Nevertheless, head coach Jorge Jesus will be without Ângelo, dealing a significant blow to the team’s consistency. Throughout the 2025–26 season, Al Nassr have surprised many with their offensive performances, establishing themselves as the favorites to win the Saudi Pro League. Nevertheless, they need to defeat Al Hilal, relying on the scoring power of Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix. Despite this, head coach Jorge Jesus faces the difficult absence of Ângelo in the starting lineup, leaving the creative midfield exposed in a match that could define the entire season. Ângelo has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after being substituted against Al Qadsiah, according to Ariyadhiah. Because of this, head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed his absence for Al Nassr’s clash against Al Hilal, raising doubts over whether he will be able to participate in the final two matches of the season. Whether as a midfielder or a winger, the Brazilian star is a key player for the team, making his absence a very significant blow. In place of the young Brazilian, head coach Jorge Jesus could once again rely on Abdullah Alkhaibari in midfield and Sadio Mané on the left wing. Although Al Nassr have managed to maintain their strong form without Ângelo, they have still lost a key creative and structural piece, as he provides significant stability with his versatile box-to-box profile for the team. Without Ângelo in the starting lineup, Al Nassr are placing all their hopes on the Marcelo Brozović–Abdullah Alkhaibari midfield pairing. However, this duo has proven to be significantly less consistent than when the Brazilian star is on the pitch, meaning the team’s defensive stability could be affected. Nevertheless, Iñigo Martínez could once again play a key role in balancing the side, acting as the leader of the defensive structure to counter Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr celebrates with teammate Kingsley Coman. Ângelo becomes a transformative figure at Al Nassr Under head coach Jorge Jesus, Ângelo has reached to transform into one of the most complete players in Al Nassr’s roster. Not only he can shine as winger, but he can also shine as midfielder, having a huge defensive impact. With his versatility and impressive talent, the 21-year-old star is one of the most important players of the team, having huge playing time and cemeting as a conerstone of the team’s future. Having a contract until 2029, Al Nassr may need to improve soon his deal, avoiding his departure to Europe as some teams have already asked for his transfer. Not only a improved salary, but also a competitive project may be needed to convince Ângelo, as he would still have some time to play in top European leagues, but arriving as a consolidated star rather than a young talent. Al Nassr aim to end a seven-year drought in the Saudi Pro League With Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, Al Nassr became one of the most media-driven clubs in the Middle East, leading to the arrival of several world-class players to strengthen the squad. After several years of sporting disappointment, Jorge Jesus managed to restore the team’s competitiveness, with them standing out offensively. They could even end a seven-year drought in the Saudi Pro League by defeating Al Hilal, despite the absence of Ângelo. In the event of securing a victory today against Karim Benzema’s Al Hilal, Al Nassr could be crowned league champions, giving Cristiano Ronaldo his first official title with the club. Having last won a championship in 2019, Jorge Jesus would end a long trophy drought, cementing himself as a legendary figure at the club, especially as he could also go on to win the AFC Champions League Two in the coming days.

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How Al Nassr’s win, draw, or loss against Al-Hilal could affect the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title race

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for a massive showdown against Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal on Matchday 33, with the outcome expected to shape the final stretch of one of the most dramatic title races in recent league history. The Saudi Pro League season has reached the moment everyone in Riyadh, and far beyond the Middle East, has been waiting for. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are preparing for a massive showdown against Karim Benzema and Al-Hilal on Matchday 33, with the outcome expected to shape the final stretch of one of the most dramatic title races in recent league history. One of the biggest storylines surrounding the derby remains the rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The former Real Madrid teammates are once again fighting for silverware, only now on opposite sides of Saudi Arabia’s biggest soccer rivalry. Benzema’s arrival strengthened Al-Hilal significantly during the season and added another superstar dimension to the championship battle. Ronaldo, meanwhile, continues to lead from the front at 41 years old and recently reached another remarkable milestone. Millions are expected to watch the match live as both teams battle for supremacy in Riyadh. Heading into Matchday 33, Al-Nassr sits first with 82 points from 32 matches, while Al-Hilal follows with 77 points from 31 matches and still holds a game in hand. Jorge Jesus’ players have produced an outstanding campaign so far, winning 27 matches while scoring 86 goals and conceding only 26. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in league play this season, although eight draws have prevented the club from overtaking its rival at the summit. What happens if Al-Nassr wins? The significance of Tuesday’s derby becomes even clearer when examining the remaining fixtures. Al-Nassr will play one final league match after the derby, away against Damac, while Al-Hilal still has two more matches remaining because of its game in hand. Al-Nassr’s victory over Al-Hilal would put Jorge Jesus’ team at 85 points, eight points ahead of Al-Hilal, and guarantee the Saudi Pro League championship. Any outcome versus Damac on the last Matchday would be irrelevant in that case. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC after the Saudi Pro League game between Al Nassr and Al Ahli Additionally, Ronaldo would win his first league championship in six years; his most recent domestic victory occurred with Juventus in 2020. Since arriving in Riyadh, he has collected goals, records, and global headlines, but the league title has remained the one major prize still missing. What happens if the match ends in a draw? A draw would keep Al-Nassr in control of the race, although tension would remain until the final days of the season. Al-Nassr would move to 83 points, while Al-Hilal would rise to 78 with two matches still left against Neom and Al-Fayha. For Ronaldo to win the league, all he would need is a tie in Al-Nassr’s last game. However, this scenario would leave the door slightly open for Al-Hilal, but Simone Inzaghi’s side would still need to win the next two games. The pressure would then shift toward Ronaldo and his teammates to avoid any mistake against Damac in its final league fixture. Theo Hernandez of Al Hilal celebrates after scoring For the visitors, even a draw would preserve hope because of the extra fixture. The Blue Waves surely understand that remaining unbeaten this deep into the campaign still gives the club a realistic chance to complete a late comeback. What happens if Al-Hilal wins? The entire title race could be flipped upside down if Al-Hilal leaves Al Awwal Park with all three points. A victory for Al-Hilal would reduce the gap to only two points, while the club would still possess a game in hand against Neom. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr reacts during the Saudi Super Cup final between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli Should Al-Hilal then defeat both Neom and Al-Fayha, the club could finish the season on 86 points. Even if Al-Nassr wins against Damac afterward a

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Bad news for Cristiano Ronaldo as Jorge Jesus casts doubt over Al Nassr future for next season

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit with a piece of bad news as coach Jorge Jesus has now put his future in Al Nassr for next season up in the air. Cristiano Ronaldo has watched Al Nassr transform into one of the most dominant forces in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Asian continent since Jorge Jesus took over as head coach. However, the 70-year-old Portuguese manager has now cast serious doubt over whether he will be at the club beyond the current season. When Stefano Pioli departed last summer, Ronaldo used his influence following his contract renewal in June 2025 to help reshape the club’s direction, and one of the most consequential decisions was the choice of the next head coach. As Jesus himself has revealed, Ronaldo called him personally to take the job at Al Nassr after his stint at Al Hilal, an offer the coach accepted on a one-year deal. That short-term arrangement is now at the center of the uncertainty. At Monday’s press conference ahead of the pivotal clash against Al Hilal that could decide the Saudi Pro League title, Jesus was asked directly about the possibility of renewing his contract. “As I have always done with my previous teams, I sign one-year contracts,” he said. The Portuguese manager then revealed that other clubs have been in contact, leaving the door firmly open for a departure. “Fortunately, I have offers from many clubs. It is possible that I may not renew my contract with Al Nassr, and it is also possible that the club may not want me next season. I will evaluate everything at the end of the season,” he added. Jorge Jesus, Manager of Al-Nassr, interacts with Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. The partnership between Ronaldo and Jesus has been a productive one for both parties, with the manager giving the forward carefully managed rest periods to ensure he arrives at the 2026 World Cup in peak condition. Jesus also set a new record for the longest winning streak in Al Nassr’s history, both in the Saudi Pro League at 16 games and across all competitions at 20. With Joao Felix, Kingsley Coman and Iñigo Martinez among the standout signings of the summer, Jesus is now on the brink of ending Al Nassr’s long wait for silverware, with both the SPL title and the AFC Champions League Two within reach. For Ronaldo, whose contract runs through June 2027, an eventual Jesus departure would mean yet another managerial transition during what could prove to be the final year of his professional career. Jesus focused on winning the SPL From the outset of the campaign, with Al Nassr absent from the AFC Champions League Elite, the Saudi Pro League became the primary domestic focus. The team made the best-ever start in the club’s league history, winning each of the first 11 games, before three consecutive defeats temporarily knocked them off the top of the table. After sliding to third place in late January, Al Nassr clawed their way back to the summit in late February and have not relinquished it since. “Our mindset since the beginning of the league has been to win only. Two matches remain, and our focus is on winning both of them,” Jesus said, with Al Hilal and Damac FC standing between Ronaldo and company and the title.

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Cristano Ronaldo’s 100 Saudi Pro League goals breakdown: Which clubs did he score against, how he scored, and who is his favorite ‘victim’?

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

The Portuguese icon brought up his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during a dramatic victory over Al-Shabab, further cementing his influence on the title race and the league itself. Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another extraordinary milestone in Saudi Arabia, continuing a remarkable chapter of his legendary career with Al-Nassr. The Portuguese icon brought up his 100th Saudi Pro League goal during a dramatic victory over Al-Shabab, further cementing his influence on the title race and the league itself. The goal carried enormous weight for both Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. With the Saudi Pro League season entering its decisive stage, the strike helped the club move another step closer toward lifting the title, while also adding a historic personal achievement to Ronaldo’s already unmatched résumé. At 41 years old, the Portuguese superstar continues to perform with astonishing consistency. His latest milestone arrived in just 105 league appearances, a goalscoring rate that few forwards in world soccer history have maintained across such a sustained period. Ronaldo’s landmark strike came during Al-Nassr’s tense 4-2 win over Al-Shabab. The victory over Al-Shabab carried major importance for the Saudi Pro League title race. Jorge Jesus and his players moved five points clear at the top of the table, placing additional pressure on rival Al-Hilal ahead of a potentially decisive Riyadh derby. 🚨 Historic! 😰💣: The legend Cristiano Ronaldo has scored against every Saudi Pro League club this season at the age of 40-41! 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳✅ Scored against Al-Hilal ✅ Scored against Al-Ahli ✅ Scored against Al-Qadisiyah✅ Scored against Al-Taawoun ✅ Scored against… pic.twitter.com/aCkhP5jFnd— KDC Global (@KDCGlobal_) May 7, 2026 Al-Nassr started the match aggressively and quickly established control through Joao Felix, who scored twice in the opening stages. Al-Shabab responded through Yannick Carrasco and later threatened another comeback, but Ronaldo’s second-half goal steadied the situation before Felix completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot. All Saudi clubs Ronaldo has scored against, and his favorite opponent revealed Once the celebrations had settled, attention quickly shifted toward the incredible spread of Ronaldo’s goals. According to statistical breakdowns confirmed by Sofascore, Ronaldo has now scored against every Saudi Pro League opponent during the 2025-26 campaign. The achievement made Ronaldo the first player in Saudi Pro League history to score against all 17 opponents in one single season. It also marked the second time in his career he managed the feat in a top-flight league campaign after previously doing so with Real Madrid during the 2011-12 La Liga season. Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026 Among all of his favorite opponents in the Kingdom, Al-Wehda sits at the top of the list after conceding 10 goals to Ronaldo. Behind Al-Wehda comes Al-Fateh with nine goals conceded, while Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Okhdood each allowed seven goals against the Al-Nassr captain. The 41-year-old veteran also built impressive records against Al-Ittihad, Al-Khaleej, Al-Riyadh, and several others during his time in Saudi Arabia. The numbers reveal how consistently he has dominated nearly every defense in the league since arriving in Riyadh in early 2023. RankClub(s)Goals1.Al-Wehda102.Al-Fateh93.Al-Shabab, Damac, and Al-Okhdood74.Al-Ittihad65.Al-Khaleej, Al-Riyadh, and Al-Tai56.Al-Fayha, Al-Ahli, Al-Raed, Al-Hazem, and Al-Abha47.Al-Ettifaq, Al-Hilal, and Al-Najmah38.Al-Taawoun, Al-Qadsiah, Al-Kholood, and Al-Adalah29.Al-Orobah and Neom1 How Ronaldo scored his 100 goals The breakdown behind Ronaldo’s century of Saudi Pro League goals reveals the complete nature of his finishing ability. Official Saudi Pro League graphics confirmed the exact distribution of his goals. That’s how the 🐐 gets it done. 💯 pic.twitter.com/9q0B64fOyo— Roshn Saudi League (@

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Video: Cristiano Ronaldo scores 100th Saudi Pro League goal in Al Nassr’s 4-2 win over Al Shabab

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro league during Al Nassr's 4-2 win over Al Shabab. Al Nassr traveled to face Al Shabab on Thursday, May 7, for Matchday 33 of the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League campaign. With the match still in the balance, Cristiano Ronaldo effectively iced the game while simultaneously writing his name further into the history books by reaching the 100-goal milestone in Saudi league play. The visitors came out firing as Joao Felix opened the scoring in just the 3rd minute before doubling the lead in the 10th, courtesy of a brilliant feed from Abdulrahman Ghareeb. Yannick Carrasco managed to pull one back for Al Shabab in the 30th minute following a stunning solo run, briefly reigniting hope for the home side before the Portuguese icon took center stage. The decisive moment arrived in the 75th minute when Sadio Mane gathered a long ball from Felix and whipped a low, dangerous cross into the area. After expertly losing his marker, Ronaldo met the ball with a clinical, first-time left-footed strike to extend the Al Nassr lead to 3-1. هدف! ⚽️كريستيانو رونالدو يسجل الهدف الثالث، ويوسّع الفارق لصالح النصر 🟡🔥#الشباب_النصر | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Y2k5DnanDQ— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 7, 2026 The strike served as his 26th goal of the current campaign and his 100th overall in the competition since his landmark arrival in December 2022. Reaching the century mark in less than four seasons is yet another testament to the enduring clinical edge and massive impact the legendary forward has maintained in Saudi Arabia. While Ali Al-Bulaihi narrowed the gap for the hosts in the 80th minute, Joao Felix put the game to bed in stoppage time, completing his hat trick with a composed penalty in the 98th minute to finalize the 4-2 scoreline. The win push Al Nassr to 82 points through 32 games, extending their lead to five points over Al Hilal, who still hold a critical game in hand. Ronaldo: A persistent menace in the 25-26 SPL Al Nassr have looked dominant throughout the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season under head coach Jorge Jesus, with Ronaldo remaining a vital piece of the puzzle despite turning 41 last February. While he may be a step behind in the Golden Boot race this year, the veteran striker continues to be a tactical nightmare for opposing backlines across the league. Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored against EVERY team in the league this season 🐐💛 https://t.co/f24qhQdqDS— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026 According to a milestone highlighted by Al Nassr’s official social media accounts, Ronaldo has now scored against every single team in the Saudi Pro League during this 2025-26 campaign. Though he was held off the scoresheet in the previous 3-2 home victory over Al Shabab back on January 17th, his strike today ensured he completed the “full set,” marking another impressive feat in his storied Saudi tenure.

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Is Cristiano Ronaldo playing today? Confirmed lineups for Al Shabab vs Al Nassr in Saudi Pro League clash

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Despite the recent defeat against Al Qadisiya, Al Nassr travel to face Al Shabab looking to move closer to the Saudi Pro League title. To achieve this, fans are closely monitoring Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, as he could make the difference with his goalscoring ability. Al Nassr have established as one of the best teams in the Saudi Pro League, standing out for their powerful attack. However, the recent defeat against Al Qadisiya raised serious doubts about their chances of winning the league title. Nevertheless, Jorge Jesus’ team now face Al Shabab, aiming for a convincing victory. To achieve this, fans are closely watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability, as his goalscoring ability could prove decisive. After avoiding injuries and suspensions, Cristiano Ronaldo is in full fitness. Because of this, head coach Jorge Jesus will start the Portuguese forward, as he arrives in strong form and could make the difference once again. Sitting six goals away from the top scorer spot in the Saudi Pro League, he could look to begin another strong scoring run, especially with Julián Quiñones in excellent form and threatening to take that distinction away from him. Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr will once again turn to João Félix as his ideal attacking partner, as the Portuguese forward has become a cornerstone of the squad. Not only he creates space for Ronaldo in the final third, but he also poses a scoring threat with his ability to strike from distance. Meanwhile, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will also start, with their pace and dribbling may play a key role in securing a crucial victory. Al Shabab are now winless in their last four matches. Despite having stars such as Yannick Carrasco and Yacine Adli, they have failed to maintain strong consistency. Alongside this, head coach Noureddine Zekri has not managed to provide defensive solidity, with the team conceding five goals in their previous match. Because of this, they could struggle against Cristiano Ronaldo’s team’s attack. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC celebrates scoring Al Shabab lineups vs Al Nassr Following their disappointing winless run, Al Shabab head into the clash against Al Nassr with major expectations. Head coach Noureddine Zekri will be without Mohamed Harbush, Carlos Júnior, and Ali Al-Asmari due to injuries. In addition, Abderrazak Hamdallah will miss the match through suspension, further complicating the team’s hopes. Despite this, Yannick Carrasco and Yacine Adli will look to make the difference in attack, standing as the team’s biggest hopes. With this in mind, they will lineup as follows: 11 LIONS READY TO ROAR 🦁 #YallaShabab 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/8c3JwLxnrF— AlShabab Saudi Club (@AlShabab_EN) May 7, 2026 Al Nassr lineup vs Al Shabab Despite the recent defeat, Al Nassr have still shown themselves to be one of the best teams in the Saudi Pro League. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will be without Raghid Alaa Najjar, Mubarak Buainain, and Sami Al-Najei due to injuries. Even so, he still has his biggest stars available, with Cristiano Ronaldo remaining the undisputed leader. Facing a fragile defense, they could have the perfect opportunity to shine. Considering this, Al Nassr will play as follows: 📋 Let’s handle business 💛 pic.twitter.com/XqnrLcbW5Q— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 7, 2026

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Jorge Jesus explains why Brazil move collapsed before joining Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Jorge Jesus revealed the details on how, prior to turning Cristiano Ronaldo's coach at Al Nassr, his move to the Brazil national team collapsed. Jorge Jesus was once the frontrunner to lead the Brazil national team toward the 2026 World Cup long before Carlo Ancelotti entered the frame, but the deal ultimately fell through despite an initial agreement. Now, the Portuguese tactician is opening up about the domino effect that cost him the Selecao job and led him to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s coach at Al Nassr. Following a historic stint with Flamengo from 2019 to 2020, Jesus left an indelible mark on Brazilian soccer. With the national team desperate for a high-profile leader after failing to reclaim South American dominance, he was viewed as the ideal candidate. While still helming Al Hilal in 2024, negotiations intensified, and by December, Jesus had verbally accepted the federation’s proposal. In an interview published Wednesday by the Portuguese outlet Record, Jesus shared striking details about the pursuit: “The Vice President met with me, accompanied by a lawyer, at a hotel in Lisbon. They put me on a video call with Ednaldo Rodrigues, the President of the CBF, who offered me the highest national team coach salary in the world. They were prepared to pay 11 million euros to terminate my contract with Al Hilal.“ By March, Jesus had decided to skip the FIFA Club World Cup at the end of the season to prioritize taking the Brazil job in May. The official appointment was set to follow his run in the AFC Champions League Elite, a plan he had already disclosed to Al Hilal stars Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves as he prepared for his departure from the Saudi giants. Jorge Jesus coach of Al Nassr. When Dorival Junior was dismissed in late March, the CBF president pressured Jesus to join immediately: “I told him that, as we had agreed, I would travel after the AFC Champions League final, not before. But he responded sharply: ‘I don’t understand your hesitation, with all due respect. What is Al Hilal? I don’t even know it. And you’re hesitating between this club and the best national team in the world, a five-time world champion?’” Ultimately, the deal imploded due to the legal investigations targeting Ednaldo Rodrigues, which forced the CBF president to resign. By the time Samir Xaud was appointed as the new president in May, the federation shifted its focus to Carlo Ancelotti, leaving Jesus, who had already moved on from Al Hilal, without a job and empty-handed. Jorge Jesus and his record-breaking run at Al Nassr With Brazil moving on and Al Hilal having already hired Simone Inzaghi as his replacement, the 71-year-old was left in limbo despite Al Hilal president Fahad bin Nafil’s previous interest in a renewal. However, a personal phone call from Cristiano Ronaldo changed everything, leading Jesus to sign a one-year deal to take the reins at Al Nassr. The veteran coach’s impact was instantaneous, as he quickly became one of the most statistically successful managers in Al Nassr history. According to data from Transfermarkt, Jesus currently boasts a staggering 2.56 Points Per Match (PPM) average, the highest mark of any coach in the club’s history with more than five games on the sidelines. Through 45 matches at the helm, his record stands at 38 wins, one draw, and just six defeats. More importantly, Jesus has Al Nassr positioned to potentially sweep the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League Two, a feat that would finally end Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile trophy drought in Saudi Arabia.

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Cristiano Ronaldo and Al-Nassr receive timely lift as Al-Shabab excludes Abderrazak Hamdallah from Riyadh Derby, all thanks to Yannick Carrasco

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab. The spotlight once again falls on Cristiano Ronaldo as developments off the pitch hand Al-Nassr a potential advantage ahead of a crucial derby. As Al-Nassr prepares for another defining moment, developments involving Abderrazak Hamdallah and Yannick Carrasco have cast a shadow over Al-Shabab. The buildup to the Riyadh derby has taken an unexpected turn, with internal conflict at Al-Shabab emerging at the worst possible time. The club now faces questions about squad harmony and readiness, while its rival prepares to capitalize on any instability. For Al-Nassr, the situation presents a timely boost as the club continues its push at the top of the table. The issue at Al-Shabab did not arise overnight, but it escalated dramatically following a disappointing 5-1 defeat in the league. What began as a disagreement quickly evolved into a wider problem that forced the club’s hierarchy to step in. At the heart of the controversy was a heated moment between Hamdallah and Carrasco during a match. A disagreement over decision-making on the pitch led to visible frustration, which later continued beyond the final whistle. il a bien raison jai vu le match du début à la fin malgré la défaite 5-1 je suis rester et j’ai vu un Carrasco horrible et même les journalistes on confirmer que il joue personnelle l’an passé il était blesser et l’équipe était mieux classé il mérite mieux hamdallah pic.twitter.com/lRtZhKNvek— Hamdallah Sati (@hamdallahsati) May 4, 2026 The situation reportedly extended into the dressing room, requiring intervention from staff members to prevent further escalation. What might have been a minor dispute instead turned into a full-blown internal issue, raising concerns about discipline and unity within the squad. Club responds with firm sanctions Al-Shabab has, thus, reacted decisively, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. According to the Arriyadiyah newspaper, the club imposed a series of disciplinary measures on the Moroccan striker, including exclusion from the upcoming clash against Al-Nassr and suspension from team training for seven days. Beyond the immediate suspension, questions are now being raised about Hamdallah’s long-term position at the club. Arriyadiyah also goes on to suggest that his future could be in doubt, with the possibility of an early departure not ruled out. Abderrazak Hamdallah of Al Shabab battling for the ball This was not an isolated incident, either. SBA Sport has reported ongoing tension between Hamdallah and Carrasco throughout the season, indicating that the clash was the culmination of unresolved issues rather than a one-off disagreement. While efforts are believed to be underway to resolve the situation internally, the damage may already have been done. The incident has exposed deeper issues within the squad, leaving the club with a difficult balancing act between discipline and stability. Golden opportunity for Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, the timing of this crisis could hardly be better. Facing an opponent dealing with internal disruption, Jorge Jesus and his player have a clear opportunity to strengthen their position in the league standings. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. With Ronaldo continuing to deliver on the pitch with 25 goals this season, the focus now shifts to whether the Knight of Najd can take full advantage of the situation. The absence of a key attacking figure from the opposition may prove decisive in a match where margins are often thin.

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Cristiano Ronaldo on alert as Jorge Jesus reveals reason for Sadio Mane’s absence from Al Nassr match

worldsoccertalk.com · last month

Cristiano Ronaldo felt the absence of Sadio Mane in Al Nassr’s recent defeat, and head coach Jorge Jesus later revealed the reason behind the winger's exclusion from the lineup. Cristiano Ronaldo was in the lineup as Al Nassr saw their historic winning streak snapped against Al Qadsiah, a match in which star winger Sadio Mane was a notable scratch. Following the loss, head coach Jorge Jesus detailed the reasons behind the star’s sudden absence from Sunday’s contest. Despite traveling with the squad to Dammam’s Prince Saud Bin Jalawi Stadium, Mane was dropped from the roster due to a last-minute complication. The move forced Jesus to shuffle his attacking line, deploying Angelo on the left wing. However, both Angelo and Kingsley Coman failed to make an impact out wide, struggling to provide service to Ronaldo in the center forward position. The gamble ultimately did not pay off; Angelo was often forced into defensive areas with far less influence than his Senegalese counterpart and was eventually substituted due to injury in the 76th minute. Al Nassr insider Ali Alabdallh later reported that Mane felt a localized pain that prevented him from taking the pitch against Al Qadsiah. When asked for specifics during the post-match press conference, Jesus provided insight into his selection process: “I chose not to include Mane in the squad. He’s one of the players in Al Nassr that has played the most matches, and was also one of the players attacked on the weekend caught by the flu upon returning from a team trip, and had some difficulties.“ «اليوم قررت عدم إشراك ماني، في نهاية الأسبوع الماضي هو من بين اللاعبين الذين تعرضوا لإنفلونزا ولعب رغم الصعوبات الكبيرة.» 🟡جورجي جيسوس، مدرب ⁦@AlNassrFC⁩، يجيب على سؤال صحفي «ثمانية» نواف العقيّل ⁦@nawaf__oga في المؤتمر الصحفي بعد مواجهة ⁧#القادسية_النصر⁩ 🎙️… pic.twitter.com/82GO1Q661Y— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 4, 2026 While the bold decision to rest the winger coincided with the end of the club’s 20-game winning streak, Jorge Jesus stood by his move. “I looked for a fresher player down the left, so I took the decision for Mane to not play. We’ve already rested several players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix,” the Portuguese boss concluded. Mane: Al Nassr’s talisman in the 2025-26 season In terms of pure minutes for Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo ranks 7th (2,814′) and has seen significantly more club action than Mane, who sits in 11th (2,360′), according to Transfermarkt. However, the 646 minutes Mane logged for Senegal during the mid-season AFCON have made him one of the most-used players in the world this season. When he is available, he has proven to be a lucky charm for the Saudi side. To date, Mane has appeared in 32 matches for Al Nassr across all competitions, tallying 13 goals and eight assists. While his raw stats may trail those of Ronaldo, Felix, or Coman, the team’s success rate with him is undeniable: Al Nassr has won 31 of the 32 games Mane has played. Without him, the club has struggled through 13 matches with a record of seven wins, one draw, and five defeats. Simakan and Angelo under the spotlight Following Sunday’s loss, Jorge Jesus granted the squad a rest day to recover from a dense schedule involving the AFC Champions League Two and the Saudi Pro League. As the team prepares to return to training on Tuesday, the health of Mohamed Simakan and Angelo will be the primary focus. According to Al Arriyadiyah, the medical staff will brief the technical team on the results of examinations for both players before training begins. Simakan and Angelo both sustained injuries during Sunday’s match; while Simakan managed to play until the final whistle, Angelo was forced off early. Their recovery will be critical as Al Nassr enters the final stretch of the title race.

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