Al-Ettifaq defeated Al-Fateh 1-0 in the King's Cup. The fixture is part of the 8th Finals stage in the 2017 season. The match was played at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium (Ad Dammām (Dammam)). The full-time result capped a Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Fateh meeting in King's Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
King's CupRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Al-Ettifaq defeated Al-Fateh 1-0 in the King's Cup. The fixture is part of the 8th Finals stage in the 2017 season. The match was played at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium (Ad Dammām (Dammam)). The full-time result capped a Al-Ettifaq vs Al-Fateh meeting in King's Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
King's Cup
The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal's World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to Al-Nassr has taken another unexpected turn, with the Portuguese superstar set to spend more time away from the club after a fresh decision from Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff. The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal’s World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return. According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action. The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season. Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback. The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh. That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly. Wedding reports create more confusion Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans. 🚨🗣️ Elma Aveiro, hermana de la leyenda Cristiano, sobre la aglomeración de la gente en la plaza de la catedral esperando ver a Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina:Pero ¿por qué cree la gente que Ronaldo se va a casar, si él mismo no lo ha anunciado desde el principio? De todos modos pic.twitter.com/awvdiZqzy9— Arielipillo (@arielipillo) August 8, 2026 Ronaldo himself appea
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines even while away from the pitch, with fresh reports suggesting the Al-Nassr captain is still not ready to return from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup. While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable. The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.” The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant. New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr. While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season. That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh. Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee. Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo Earlier report
Full preview of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Saudi Arabia enters the 2026 World Cup facing significant questions after a turbulent preparation period. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation made a late coaching change in April 2026, bringing in Georgios Donis to lead the roster to North America. Following their historic upset over Argentina in 2022, expectations for the Green Falcons have grown alongside the massive financial investment in the Saudi Pro League. Fans now expect the national team to compete for a knockout spot, rather than simply participating in the group stage. As one of the intriguing FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, Saudi Arabia must prove their domestic growth translates to international success. Placed in a demanding group alongside Spain, Uruguay, and debutants Cape Verde, the challenge is steep. In this World Cup 2026 team preview, we break down the tactical approach, Saudi Arabia key players, and group stage outlook for the squad. Team profile CategoryDetailCoachGeorgios DonisCaptainSalem Al-DawsariNicknameThe Green FalconsFIFA Ranking61stConfederationAFCGroupGroup HBest World Cup ResultRound of 16 (1994)World Cup Appearances7Last World Cup Appearance2022 How Saudi Arabia play Under their new leadership, the Saudi Arabia formation is expected to reflect a front-footed, attacking philosophy. Donis typically favors a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system that prioritizes pace on the wings and quick transitions. The manager is also known for his tactical flexibility. He will occasionally shift the roster into a 3-5-2 setup to provide extra defensive stability against stronger opponents. During the qualification cycle, the Green Falcons relied heavily on a rigid defensive structure. They conceded an average of just 0.72 goals per game, limiting opponents to minimal clear chances. However, this defensive solidity often came at the expense of attacking output in the final third. Creating chances remains the primary tactical vulnerability for this squad. They averaged only 1.22 goals per match during qualifying, struggling to break down organized defenses. Ultimately, balancing their disciplined defensive shape with enough offensive creativity will determine their success this summer. Georgios Donis: The coach behind Saudi Arabia Georgios Donis took charge of the national team in April 2026 following the sudden departure of Hervé Renard. The federation appointed the Greek manager just two months before the competition, banking on his extensive experience within the country. The new Saudi Arabia coach has spent significant time managing in the Saudi Pro League, including successful stints with Al Hilal, Al Wehda, Al Fateh, and Al Khaleej. This deep understanding of the local player pool means he requires minimal time to evaluate the roster. Known for a demanding and flexible coaching style, the former Panathinaikos manager previously won domestic cups with Al Hilal. While this is his first international management role, his familiarity with the squad’s core pieces could help stabilize the team quickly. Key player: Salem Al-Dawsari Salem Al-Dawsari remains the undeniable creative engine for the Green Falcons. The 34-year-old Al-Hilal star typically operates on the left wing, using his pace and technical ability to cut inside and create shooting opportunities. With 108 international caps and 26 goals, Al-Dawsari brings vital experience to the roster. He is best known for his stunning game-winning strike against Argentina in 2022, highlighting his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. Domestically, the two-time AFC Player of the Year continues to produce exceptional numbers, consistently registering double-digit goal tallies for his club. Saudi Arabia’s road to the 2026 World Cup The journey to secure their spot in North America was unusually difficult for the Green Falcons. Normally dominant in Asian qualifying, the team struggled offensively
The Saudi Pro League has unveiled another honor for Cristiano Ronaldo following his performances with Al Nassr. Al Nassr achieved their long-awaited goal of winning the Saudi Pro League title this season. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo‘s first trophy since joining the club in January 2023, earning him several individual accolades along the way. The latest was announced Thursday through the league’s official social media accounts. “After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Fantasy team of the season is here,” the post on X reads alongside an image featuring the 11 selected players. Cristiano Ronaldo was, unsurprisingly, included as one of the forwards in the lineup, alongside Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Al-Taawoun’s Roger Martinez. The Team of the Season also features one of CR7’s teammates during Al Nassr‘s title-winning campaign: Joao Felix. The other players recognized by the Saudi Pro League were Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Al Qadsiah’s Mohammed Abu Al Shamat and Julian Quinones, Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Ruben Neves, and Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco. After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 @SPLfantasy team of the season is here 👑 pic.twitter.com/S3xE0AZJbr— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 4, 2026 What is Saudi Pro League Fantasy? Saudi Pro League Fantasy is a virtual manager game that allows fans to build their ideal team from the league and compete against other users on a weekly basis. Each participant receives an initial budget to select players, with certain restrictions, including a maximum of three players from the same club. Based on the performances of those selected players in each match, users earn points. The combined total from the 11 selected players determines the winner of each Matchday and, ultimately, the overall season champion. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the highest-scoring players of the season in Saudi Pro League Fantasy with 296 points, earning him a place in the Team of the Season. The top performer was Julian Quinones with 356 points, followed by Ivan Toney with 319 and Joao Felix with 311. Other honors received by Ronaldo this season The Saudi Pro League Fantasy Team of the Season selection adds to a lengthy list of honors Cristiano Ronaldo received during Al Nassr’s title-winning 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese forward was also named among the five finalists for the Player of the Season award, which was voted on by team captains, coaches, media representatives and fans. However, Joao Felix claimed the top honor. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was voted Fans’ Player of the Season.
With reports linking Pep Guardiola as the next coach, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr announced the departure of Jorge Jesus. No sooner had Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title than the club was dealt a significant blow, with Jorge Jesus confirming his departure. While reports have surfaced linking Pep Guardiola as a potential successor, Al Nassr has now officially announced the end of Jesus‘s one-year tenure. Jesus’s arrival had been closely tied to Ronaldo’s own influence at the club following the forward’s contract renewal in June, with the Portuguese coach later revealing that Ronaldo’s personal involvement was a key reason he took the job. Despite the success they achieved together, Jesus’s contract ran its course and his decision to move on appears to have been made well in advance of the final announcement. The possibility of a one-year extension had been on the table, at least from Al Nassr’s perspective. Club president Abdullah Al-Majed acknowledged “ongoing attempts to convince Jorge Jesus to stay,” and a salary increase was reportedly offered as part of the renewal pitch, but no agreement was ultimately reached. Al Nassr‘s official account marked the occasion with a video tribute. “He arrived taking on the challenge… and he leaves us as a champion,” the club wrote, paying tribute to the SPL triumph that bookended his single season in charge. What a journey. What a chapter. 🏆💛Obrigado, Mister 🙏🏼#ChampionStateOfMind pic.twitter.com/kVKSnRXkRX— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 28, 2026 “Thank you, Jesus, for everything you have given to your club, Al Nassr… And you will always remain a lover of, and beloved by, the Nassrawi fans,” the message concluded. Jesus, who has been linked with clubs including Fenerbahce, Brazilian sides and even the Portugal national team, has since indicated he will spend time in Rio de Janeiro before deciding his next move. Across his 49 games in charge, Jesus compiled a record of 40 wins, two draws and seven defeats, averaging an impressive 2.49 points per game, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history and breaking the 7-year trophy drought. Ronaldo was the driving force of that era, contributing 30 goals and five assists in 37 appearances to finish as the top scorer under the Portuguese manager. Is a Pep Guardiola arrival at Al Nassr feasible? As speculation about Jesus’s replacement gathered pace, Pep Guardiola quickly emerged as one of the headline names, having already confirmed his departure from Manchester City. Reports from Saudi newspaper Al-Youm went as far as claiming that Al Nassr had offered Guardiola an annual salary of $150 million, which would make him the highest-paid manager in the history of the sport. Speaking to Saudi media outlet Okaz, Guardiola‘s representative Josep Maria Orobitg confirmed that contact had been made but stopped well short of describing it as a serious offer: “There was a contact a month and a half ago, just a contact, without any commitment or written offer. There was also a contact with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation about 15 days ago, but there will be no further contacts for the moment.“ When pressed specifically on the reported salary figures, the representative was dismissive. “The amount mentioned is not true,” he said, while not denying that conversations had taken place. “At the moment, neither Al Nassr nor the Saudi Arabian Football Federation have great opportunities to sign Guardiola. Pep will not sign for any club or team right now. There are already a large number of interested clubs and teams, but all of this is being discussed for the future,” he added. Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City. With Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract running through June 2027, only one season remains before a potential retirement announcement at age 42. Planning for the 2026-27 campaign is already underway, but landing Guardiola as the club’s next head coach appears to be a far more co
Latest reports suggest Ronaldo’s role inside the club could become even more influential moving forward. Cristiano Ronaldo finally delivered the moment Al-Nassr had been waiting for since his arrival in Saudi Arabia. After years of pressure, near misses, and growing scrutiny surrounding the project in Riyadh, the Portuguese superstar lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy following a dramatic title-winning campaign that restored the club to the top of Saudi soccer. The celebrations after the decisive 4-1 victory over Damac were emotional across the club, but behind the scenes, attention quickly shifted toward what comes next. With Jorge Jesus stepping away after fulfilling his mission and Al-Nassr entering a new phase, major decisions are expected to shape the project’s future. Jesus confirmed his departure immediately after securing the championship, ending a successful but relatively short spell in charge of the Riyadh side. The veteran Portuguese coach arrived with one clear objective: to help Ronaldo and Al-Nassr end their long wait for the league title. Jorge Jesus leaves after completing his mission Al-Nassr finished the campaign with 86 points, narrowly ahead of fierce rival Al-Hilal, to secure the club’s first Saudi league championship since 2019. The title also gave Ronaldo his first major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia after several frustrating seasons. Following the final match, Jesus openly admitted that the mission had always been temporary. “I accepted this challenge only because I told Cristiano: ‘I will help you become champion, we will win the trophy, and then I will leave.’ That’s it. For me, the mission is complete,” the Portuguese coach said after the Damac victory. The statement immediately sparked speculation about the future direction of Al-Nassr. Although the coach announced his intention to leave, the club hierarchy reportedly moved quickly to try to change his mind. Club president Abdullah Al-Majed publicly confirmed that Al-Nassr wanted Jesus to remain in charge. “We will do everything possible to keep Jesus because he has made a significant difference,” Al-Majed explained in a televised interview. Ronaldo tried to convince Jesus to stay Reports from Saudi media later revealed that Ronaldo himself became heavily involved in efforts to keep the coach at the club. According to the Arabic electronic platform winwin, the Portuguese forward already knew before the final game that Jesus intended to leave once the title was secured. Ronaldo reportedly asked Jesus to stay for another season in order to preserve stability inside the project, but the coach refused despite receiving a massive renewal offer from Al-Nassr. The two figures are said to have held a private meeting before the final match against Damac. During that conversation, Jesus reportedly reminded Ronaldo of the promise he made when taking over the team. “Jesus held a meeting with Ronaldo before the last match against Damac, and told him that he must lead the team to victory in the match and win the title as he promised him, and then he will leave,” winwin reported. The same report added that Jesus informed Ronaldo he would never coach another Saudi club in the future and believed it was the correct moment to walk away after achieving success with Al-Nassr and previously leaving a mark with Al-Hilal as well. Ronaldo’s new role revealed The biggest revelation, however, arrived shortly afterward as the latest reports suggest Ronaldo’s role inside the club could become even more influential moving forward. According to 365Scores Arabic, Ronaldo will be involved in helping Al-Nassr choose the club’s next head coach. The report also claimed that the Portuguese superstar is considering several options, including a world-class Portuguese manager capable of continuing the project’s momentum. This move exemplifies how central the 41-year-old has become to the club’s sporting direction since arriving in Saudi Arabia. His influence already transformed Al-Nas
Jorge Jesus looks set to remain Cristiano Ronaldo’s head coach after Al Nassr and the Portuguese manager reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a contract extension. Cristiano Ronaldo has finally snapped his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 victory over Damac on the season’s final matchday. Yet, just as the club achieved its ultimate domestic objective, Jorge Jesus shocked the fan base by announcing his departure—a situation that has now taken an unexpected U-turn. Heading into the season finale against Damac, the Portuguese tactician made it clear that his primary mission was helping Ronaldo claim silverware in the Gulf. After a painful defeat in the AFC Champions League Two final against Japan’s Gamba Osaka, Jesus and Ronaldo found immediate redemption by locked down the league championship. Following the trophy celebrations, the 71-year-old manager initially confirmed in an interview with Canal GOAT that the match against Damac would be his last at the helm of Al Nassr. However, global transfer news insider Ekrem Konur completely shifted the narrative, providing fresh hope to the Riyadh-based fans by revealing that Jesus is now likely to stay. The insider reported that Al Nassr and Jorge Jesus have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to extend the manager’s contract for an additional year. The breakthrough follows official comments from club president Abdullah Al-Majed, who pushed for Jesus to stay and had recently confirmed that the front office was actively launching ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay. Jorge Jesus kisses Cristiano Ronaldo on the cheek. (Getty Images) Portugal National Team on the horizon The sudden contract drama comes amid intense speculation linking Jorge Jesus to the Portugal National Team job. While Roberto Martinez currently serves as Portugal’s head coach, the Spanish manager is widely expected to step down following the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Addressing the rumors upon his arrival at a Portuguese airport, Jesus admitted to reporters that turning down his country’s top job would be a monumental challenge. “Who can say no to the national team? I have previously declined one of the best teams in the world, and I cannot say no to another,” Jesus stated, referencing his past decision to reject an official approach from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to manage the Seleção. Nevertheless, Jesus was quick to downplay any immediate distraction, emphasizing that Portugal needs a calm environment just days away from the tournament kicking off in North America. “I am not considering this possibility now. The World Cup is approaching, Portugal needs calm, the coach needs calm, and I do not want to get involved in such chaos,” he concluded.
Despite the coach's decision, Cristiano Ronaldo could witness a U-turn on Jorge Jesus' departure as Al Nassr president is pushing for the 71-year-old boss to stay next season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s post-championship celebrations suffered an immediate setback following Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, as manager Jorge Jesus abruptly announced his departure from the club. However, the 41-year-old superstar may yet see a dramatic U-turn, with Al Nassr’s president publicly revealing that the front office is launching a massive push to retain the veteran tactician. Following Thursday’s title-clinching victory over Damac FC, Jorge Jesus shocked reporters by using his post-match press conference to announce he was stepping down, stating he had fulfilled the exact promise that led him to accept the vacancy in the first place. With his current deal expiring in June 2026, the manager remained tight-lipped regarding his next destination, noting only that he was headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a well-deserved vacation. Yet, the separation might not be a done deal just yet. In a statement compiled by Saudi outlet Al-Wyam, Al Nassr club president Abdullah Al-Majed made the board’s aggressive stance abundantly clear: “At the current moment, there are ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay, and we will convince him, God willing.“ Alongside high-profile arrivals like Iñigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, Jorge Jesus masterminded one of the most dominant campaigns in Al Nassr history. The 71-year-old manager orchestrated the best start to a season in SPL history with 11 consecutive wins, while also shattering the club record with a 20-match win streak across all competitions (16 in league play, four in the AFC Champions League Two). Coach Jorge Jesus and Al Nassr players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans. Having already experienced immense success with arch-rivals Al Hilal, Jesus was personally targeted for the job by Ronaldo, eventually guiding the club to the finals of both the Saudi Super Cup and the Champions League Two. Over his 49-game tenure, he accumulated an outstanding 40-2-7 record, averaging a staggering 2.49 points per match. Al-Majed also established clear timelines and expectations for Al Nassr’s upcoming 2026-27 campaign. “Work on the next season will begin immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday (in June), focusing on preparing the squad and securing upcoming transfers… the work ahead will be very substantial,” the club president concluded. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly pressuring management to finalize renewal By declaring his mission accomplished at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus immediately sparked rumors linking him to high-profile roles at Fenerbahce, a return to Brazilian club soccer, or potentially taking over the Portugal national team after the World Cup. With the manager’s future hanging in the balance, Ronaldo is reportedly eager to flex his immense institutional leverage to force a change of heart. According to 365 Scores Arabic, Ronaldo is heavily pressuring Al Nassr’s executive board to iron out the details and lock Jesus down to a one-year contract extension. The timing of the contract is critical; Ronaldo is currently tied to the club through June 2027, meaning Jesus would have the opportunity to manage the iconic forward through what could realistically be the final season of his legendary professional career. As it stands, Jesus holds all the leverage in negotiations and will likely demand significant backing from the hierarchy to reconsider his exit. Reports suggest the manager’s list of demands includes a substantial salary increase paired with a guarantee of six major summer signings, a clear effort to avoid the squad depth issues that plagued the club during the 2026 winter window, when a lack of transfer activity reportedly prompted a frustrated Ronaldo to go on a brief two-game strike.
Saudi Arabia unveiled a 30-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including six teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The Saudi Pro League title in 2025-26 cemented Al Nassr as the strongest team in the country, which translated into a major presence from the club in Saudi Arabia’s preliminary squad. Six teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo now have a chance to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Saudi Arabia national team head coach Georgios Donis has confirmed his 30-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the Saudi Pro League announced this Saturday in a statement published on its official website. Of those players, 28 compete in the domestic league, one plays in the second division, and only one plays abroad: Saud Abdulhamid, a defender for Lens in France. Al Nassr have the second-highest number of players called up to the national team, with six total selections. Only Al Hilal have more, with seven. The other club heavily represented in Saudi Arabia’s 30-man roster is Al Ahli, with five players. The teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo and recent Saudi Pro League champions selected to the squad are goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, defenders Abdulelah Al Amri and Nawaf Boushal, midfielders Abdullah Al Khaibari and Ayman Yahya, and forward Abdullah Al Hamdan. 𝗨𝗦𝗔-𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 🇸🇦✈️The 30-man preliminary squad selected for Saudi Arabia's #FIFAWorldCup preparations 📋We're with you all the way 💯 pic.twitter.com/0PaBd7w67G— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) May 23, 2026 Key dates for Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Cup This 30-player roster will eventually be reduced to 26, with FIFA’s final deadline set for June 1. Before that, however, the team will travel to the United States to continue preparations, beginning with a friendly against Ecuador on May 30 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey. The second friendly will take place six days later against Puerto Rico in Austin, Texas, while the team’s final tune-up match is scheduled for June 9 against Senegal in San Antonio. From there, Saudi Arabia will turn their attention to their World Cup opener against Uruguay on June 15. Spain and Cape Verde will be the other teams in Group H. Saudi Arabia coach reveals his plans During the press conference in which Saudi Arabia unveiled its 30-player preliminary roster, head coach Georgios Donis discussed his plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. “I want to see my team from the first game very organised, very disciplined, to show our ambition and then to see what happens,” Donis explained. However, he later urged caution and warned against expecting “miracles” like the victory over Argentina at Qatar 2022: “It is better to look at the forest, not the tree.”
As the season draws to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo walked away empty-handed regarding individual Saudi Pro League honors, while compatriots Joao Felix and Jorge Jesus scooped up major end-of-year recognitions. Cristiano Ronaldo finally shattered his silverware drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing his first official trophy with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 triumph over Damac to lift the Saudi Pro League crown. Yet, despite an exceptional individual campaign, the Portuguese icon was surprisingly overlooked for the league’s top individual honors—prizes that instead went to Joao Felix and manager Jorge Jesus. The legendary forward served as the foundational pillar of Al Nassr’s title charge. With 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, he finished as the club’s absolute top marksman for the season, leading their domestic campaign with 28 league tallies. Remarkably, those staggering numbers weren’t enough to secure him the Player of the Season award, which the Saudi Pro League ultimately handed to Joao Felix. The dynamic Portuguese forward enjoyed an exceptional campaign of his own, directly powering the team’s championship run with a phenomenal output of 20 goals and 13 assists in his debut season. Felix wasn’t the only Al Nassr figure to walk away with a year-end honor. The Saudi Pro League also named Jorge Jesus as the Manager of the Season, rewarding a masterclass tactical campaign in which he guided the club to an incredible record of 28 victories, two draws, and a mere four defeats. Al Nassr’s mastermind Jorge Jesus wins the Manager of the Season award in the #RoshnSaudiLeague for 2025/26! 🧠 Presented by @roshnksa pic.twitter.com/vqoZNvtnra— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2026 Ronaldo misses out on historic Golden Boot milestone Ronaldo entered the Saudi Pro League campaign on the precipice of soccer history. Had the legendary attacker secured the Golden Boot, it would have marked his third consecutive top-scorer crown, making him only the third player in league history to achieve the three-peat. If Ronaldo had clinched the 2025/26 Golden Boot, he would have joined an elite club featuring Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah (2014/15 to 2016/17) and Al Nassr icon Majed Abdullah (1978/79 to 1980/81) as the only players to have won the award in three straight seasons. Instead, the veteran striker had to settle for a place in the top three. Ronaldo finished third in the race with his 28 goals, falling just short of Al Ahli frontman Ivan Toney (32 goals) and the ultimate winner, Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones, who topped the charts with 33 tallies. Ronaldo won match-day awards throughout the campaign While Cristiano missed out on a major end-of-season individual trophy, his campaign was far from devoid of recognition; he racked up an impressive eight Man of the Match awards over the course of the season. Even so, that achievement was narrowly eclipsed by Joao Felix, who took home the honor nine times to finish as Al Nassr’s most decorated match-day performer this year.
In a closely contested match, Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title. Although Damac put up a strong fight, Sadio Mané’s goal turned the game around, securing the championship for Jorge Jesus’ team. After a consistent season, Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned champion of the Saudi Pro League for the first time since his arrival in the Middle East. Al Nassr and Damac played out a match that appeared to be fairly even, but Sadio Mané’s goal ultimately turned the game around, putting Al Nassr in the spotlight. With this victory, the Portuguese veteran ends a six-year drought without winning a league title. Damac FC managed to impose a promising style of play in the opening minutes. Taking advantage of the spaces in the rival defense, they shined with long passes that allowed their forwards to win through speed. After failing to convert their numerous chances, they gradually became more overwhelmed by the high press of Al Nassr. In addition, they adopted a defensive approach after the goal from Sadio Mané, cutting off any chance of equalising the match. Without Marcelo Brozovic, Al Nassr struggled to build plays and apply high pressure. While Abdullah Alkhaibari shone with his defensive presence and offensive contributions, Ayman Yaya seemed quite lost, leaving a noticeable creative void. Nevertheless, Sadio Mané and João Félix emerged as the most influential players on the field, creating scoring opportunities and setting up the winning goal. João Félix managed to be the most decisive player for Al Nassr FC, even if he did not score. Not only did he drop deep to receive the ball in midfield, but he also created spaces in attack. With his vision and change of pace, he moved all around the pitch, giving creativity to a team that seemed lost on the wings. Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace emerged as the most important part of the game, outshining Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman to win the Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr are your 2025/26 #RoshnSaudiLeague Champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IkQXTMNPtx— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 21, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace outshined Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman Throughout the match, Sadio Mané emerged as Al Nassr’s standout player, scoring the decisive goal that shifted the momentum. Head coach Jorge Jesus focused on making the wings the focal point of the game, allowing the Senegalese forward to shine. Following a corner kick by João Félix, Mané found himself unmarked in Damac’s penalty area. He won the aerial duel and headed the ball into the net to score the goal. بصناعة جواو فيليكس 🎯ساديو ماني يسجل هدف التقدم للنصر ⚽️هكذا جاء الهدف الأول 🟡#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/3SAOq4R3lR— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Far from slowing down their offensive pace in the second half, Al Nassr continued to shine down the wings. After a spectacular run by Nawaf Boushal, he found Kingsley Coman and passed him the ball. The Frenchman dribbled past Damac’s defenders, playing a give-and-go with Abdullah Alkhaibari to find himself alone on the edge of the box. Taking advantage of his powerful shot, he unleashed a fierce strike, leaving Kewin with no chance. كومان يعزز تقدم النصر بتسديدة من خارج المنطقة ⚽️🔥قصة هدف النصر الثاني كاملة 🟡#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/BQoTumZsMM— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Despite great performances from Mane and Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo outshone them both with a spectacular brace. Although he went largely unnoticed for much of the match, he managed to score a spectacular free kick from what seemed like a tight angle. Far from stopping there, he doubled down, scoring a brace after a pass from Joao Felix inside the box, beating Kewin of Damac once again.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr FC to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title and took center stage during the celebrations. This Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo ended his long wait of nearly three and a half years by winning his first official title with Al Nassr after securing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League crown, playing a central role in the title run with his goals. The Portuguese forward delivered a crucial performance throughout the season, recording 28 goals and three assists in 30 matches. That impact was evident again in Thursday’s decisive clash against Damac, where he scored a brace that helped calm his team during a tense moment in the match. The final whistle sealed the title for Al Nassr, ending a seven-year drought since the club’s previous league triumph in the 2018-19 season. From there came the expected scenes of relief, happiness, and emotion from the players, with much of the focus on Cristiano Ronaldo. He had been substituted in the closing minutes by coach Jorge Jesus, making way for Abdullah Al-Hamdan. During those final moments, television cameras repeatedly captured Cristiano’s emotions, including tears in his eyes. Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the 2025/26 #RoshnSaudiLeague trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gjFKcDJ4vd— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 21, 2026 Once the celebrations began, it was time for the trophy ceremony. One by one, Al Nassr staff members stepped forward to receive their medals, led by Jorge Jesus. Then came the players, with the captain saved for last. When Ronaldo’s turn arrived, he was handed the Saudi Pro League trophy, which he lifted surrounded by his teammates. Ronaldo receives another Saudi Pro League honor In addition to wearing the champions medal around his neck and lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy as Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo also received another honor for his decisive performance on Thursday. The Saudi Pro League named him Player of the Match, a logical recognition considering his two goals and overall influence throughout the game. Official:Cristiano Ronaldo named the player of the match. pic.twitter.com/aqZqkxLkEW— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s first reaction after the title Amid the celebrations and trophy ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo took a moment to share a post on his official social media accounts. He posted an image featuring a collage of photos of himself wearing the Al Nassr jersey, including one of him lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy, accompanied by a single word: “CHAMPIONS!!!!!” CHAMPIONS!!!!! 🏆 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/8x9nzGHRx1— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 21, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in the 4-1 Al Nassr win over Damac FC to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr hosted Damac FC at Al Awwal Park on Thursday for a high-stakes Matchday 34 showdown in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League, with the league title on the line in a fierce race against Al Hilal. To push his side to the championship trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo converted a spectacular free kick and a ruthless open-play finish to fire the hosts to a commanding 4-1 victory. Sitting on 83 points, Al Nassr entered the match needing a victory to control their own destiny and prevent Al Hilal from snatching the trophy from their hands. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a brilliant header, and then Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage with a powerful left-footed strike in the 52nd minute, before Morlaye Sylla cut the deficit from the penalty spot in the 58th. With Al Nassr already holding a narrow 2-1 advantage, Joao Felix tried to generate an opening down the left flank before being brought down by a heavy challenge. Despite facing a difficult, narrow angle, Ronaldo stepped up to take the set piece and fired a powerful strike that skipped off the turf and past the diving keeper to extend the lead in the 63rd minute. من ركلة حرة ⚽️كريستيانو رونالدو يوسّع النتيجة لصالح النصر 🐐🟡قصة هدف النصر الثالث كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/wkiQBok6VF— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Then in the 81st minute, Al Nassr orchestrated a brilliant team sequence down the right flank spearheaded by Coman; after a defender failed to clear a dangerous cross, Ronaldo collected the loose ball inside the six-yard box and unleashed a thunderous strike to net his second goal of the night. الهدف الرابع، وهدف يقرّب الحسم 🟡قصة هدف النصر الرابع كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/4H0uvkR4AT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Immediately after celebrating, the Portuguese legend dedicated the decisive goal to his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, who was watching from the stands. As he walked back to the halfway line, an emotional Ronaldo was seen breaking down in tears, overwhelmed by the moment as he finally brought his trophy drought with Al Nassr to an emphatic end. With the championship safely secured, manager Jorge Jesus made the decision to sub out Cristiano Ronaldo for Abdullah Al Hamdan, sending the captain to the sideline to a deafening standing ovation. Once on the bench, Ronaldo remained visibly emotional, soaking in the gravity of the moment as Al Nassr officially crowned themselves Saudi Pro League champions. مشاعر كبيرة ودموع فرح من كريستيانو رونالدو 🥹#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Y9CtYNn6TT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Ronaldo extends career goal record to 973 Seven years had passed since Al Nassr last lifted the league trophy, making this first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia an incredibly special milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo, especially just days after a heartbreaking loss to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Beyond securing the SPL crown, the Portuguese icon has now extended his legendary career total to 973 goals. With tonight’s decisive brace, Ronaldo has racked up 129 goals in 148 appearances for Al Nassr, including 30 tallies across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. Now sitting just 27 goals away from the mythical 1,000-goal milestone, anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s historic pursuit will only intensify as he pivots to his next major challenge: the 2026 World Cup.
Despite their recent draw against Al Hilal, Al Nassr remain a strong contender to win the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. However, they must secure a victory today against Damac. To that end, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo, as he could be the difference-maker in terms of scoring. Al Nassr have managed to become as one of the best teams in the Middle East. Not only did they shine in the AFC Champions League Two, but they have also done so in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, they face Damac today, needing a victory to crown as league champions after many years of drought. For this, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo as he points to be differential from a goalscoring perspective. Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Al Nassr FC, being in full physical condition. While he comes from two games without scoring, the Portuguese striker has shown a great ability to shine in high-pressure moments. In addition, the 41-year-old star managed to score in the previous match between both teams, giving signs that it could happen again today, as he looks to close the gap in the top scorers table. Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, head coach Jorge Jesus will repeat the successful setup with João Félix. In addition, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will be the options on the wings, as they come in strong form with Al Nassr. Being one of the best attacking teams, they aim to dominate heavily from a goalscoring perspective, as their opponent is one of the teams with the most defensive instability. Unlike Al Nassr FC, Damac are not coming from their best season. With only 29 points, they are fighting to avoid relegation, battling with Al Riyadh SC, meaning they absolutely need a victory. However, they have not shined from a defensive perspective, conceding 51 goals. Despite this, head coach Fábio Carille could opt for an offensive approach, seeking to take advantage of the spaces behind the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in order to search for a victory. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr battling for the ball during the Saudi pro league match vs Damac. Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Damac After their dominant season, Al Nassr arrive as clear favorites to take the victory against Damac, as they have not lost against them since 2021. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will not be able to count on Marcelo Brozović and Sultan Al-Ghannam due to injury. Despite this, they still maintain their main stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, who will be boosted by the speed and dribbling ability of Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman. With this in mind, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ayman Yahya, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Sadio Mane; Joao Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo. Damac confirmed lineup vs Al Nassr Damac arrive with the urgent need to secure a victory against Al Nassr, as they need to avoid relegation. Goalkeeper Kewin Silva could be vital in preventing Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix from shining. Considering this, they could lineup as follows: Kewin; Sanousi Al-Hawsawi, Jamal Harkass, Abdelkader Bedrane, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid; Hasssan Rabei, Abdu, Dhari Al Anazi, Morlaye Sylla, Arielson, Jonathan Okita.
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The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal's World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. Cristiano Ronaldo‘s return to Al-Nassr has taken another unexpected turn, with the Portuguese superstar set to spend more time away from the club after a fresh decision from Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff. The delay comes as Ronaldo continues to enjoy his extended summer break following Portugal’s World Cup exit, leaving supporters wondering exactly when they will see their captain back in action. The 41-year-old has remained at the center of attention despite being away from the pitch, with his holiday, family life and future plans generating plenty of discussion. Now, however, a new report has provided a clearer picture of what Postecoglou and Al-Nassr have decided regarding Ronaldo’s return. According to 365Scores Arabic, Al-Nassr’s coaching staff, led by Postecoglou, have decided to give Ronaldo additional rest rather than rushing him back into competitive action. The Portuguese forward is therefore expected to miss Al-Nassr’s opening Saudi Pro League fixture against Al-Fateh and the King’s Cup meeting with Al-Diriyah. The decision means the 41-year-old will have more time to recover from what has been an unusually demanding year. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts Ronaldo’s extended break follows Portugal’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The national team lost narrowly to Spain in the Round of 16, bringing an emotional end to the striker’s international career and giving him another reason to step away from soccer before beginning preparations for the new club season. Ronaldo’s comeback date finally comes into focus The fresh 365Scores Arabic update provides the clearest indication yet of when supporters can expect to see Ronaldo back in an Al-Nassr shirt. His return is now expected to come against Al-Riyadh on August 21, meaning the club’s captain will surely miss the first two competitive fixtures before making his comeback. The decision represents a change from earlier expectations that Ronaldo would return to training relatively soon after completing his post-World Cup recovery period. Instead, Postecoglou has opted to prioritize additional rest, allowing his biggest star to return when he is fully ready for the campaign ahead. القائـد كريستيانو رونالدو يلتقي بنجوم الفريق قبل مواجهة #النصر_الميريا 🤩 pic.twitter.com/szIUbd8ski— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) August 4, 2026 Al-Nassr’s preseason preparations have been taking place in Lisbon under Postecoglou, but Ronaldo is not expected to join the squad during the overseas training camp. The camp officially concluded on August 5, with the squad then scheduled to return to Riyadh. That leaves Ronaldo with a relatively short period to work with his teammates before his eventual competitive return. Still, the club appears willing to sacrifice an early appearance from its captain in exchange for giving him the time needed to prepare properly. Wedding reports create more confusion Ronaldo’s extended absence has also been linked to his personal life, with reports claiming that the superstar had been granted leave to celebrate his wedding to Georgina Rodriguez. However, those reports quickly became complicated after Ronaldo’s sister, Elma Aveiro, publicly pushed back against claims that the couple was getting married. “Why do people think Ronaldo is getting married when he’s never even announced it himself?” she wrote on Instagram, before questioning why the media continued to speculate about the couple’s plans. 🚨🗣️ Elma Aveiro, hermana de la leyenda Cristiano, sobre la aglomeración de la gente en la plaza de la catedral esperando ver a Cristiano Ronaldo y Georgina:Pero ¿por qué cree la gente que Ronaldo se va a casar, si él mismo no lo ha anunciado desde el principio? De todos modos pic.twitter.com/awvdiZqzy9— Arielipillo (@arielipillo) August 8, 2026 Ronaldo himself appea
After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have a new midfield partner at Al-Nassr, with Samu Costa’s long-awaited move from Mallorca finally appearing to be on the verge of completion. After weeks of uncertainty surrounding the Saudi club’s ability to register new players, the latest developments suggest the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival is now moving rapidly toward an official announcement. For much of the summer, Al-Nassr’s transfer plans had been complicated by financial restrictions that prevented the club from formally completing previously agreed deals. That situation appears to have changed, with Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reporting that the club has completed the procedures required to lift the restrictions and resume its recruitment activity. The breakthrough is particularly important because Al-Nassr had reportedly reached an agreement with Real Mallorca in July for Samu Costa. However, the transfer could not immediately be registered because of the financial monitoring imposed on the Saudi champion. According to Al-Riyadiyah, the restrictions have now been lifted, allowing the team to move forward with the registration of new players. The development effectively removes the biggest obstacle standing between Costa and his move to Riyadh. The club’s financial problems had become a major issue during the offseason, with reports claiming that Al-Nassr accumulated liabilities exceeding $280 million. The restructuring process involved the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Al-Nassr Club Company, and efforts to reorganize existing financial commitments. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Samu Costa announcement date emerges The latest update now gives a much clearer picture of when supporters could finally see the transfer made official. Former Al-Nassr legal department manager Saad Al-Subaie revealed that the league sent approval for Samu Costa on Sunday morning, meaning the club can now submit the documentation to the Professionalism Committee. Al-Subaie also provided an indication of when the announcement could arrive. According to his update, Al-Nassr’s official account is expected to announce the Samu Costa deal within the next 72 hours. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 and Samu Costa #24 during Portugal’s training session. That would bring the Portuguese midfielder closer to becoming the Knight of Najd’s first summer signing after the club finally overcame the financial restrictions that had delayed its recruitment plans. Another Saudi journalist, Abdulaziz Al-Osaimi, also reported that Costa is expected to arrive in Riyadh within the next two days. The timing adds another layer of intrigue to the move, as Al-Nassr is already preparing for the start of the new campaign. The club begins its Saudi Pro League season against Al-Fateh, while it also has ambitions of defending its domestic crown and making another serious push in the AFC Champions League Elite. Costa would fill major midfield vacancy Costa’s arrival would address an important need in the squad following the departure of Marcelo Brozovic. The Croatian midfielder left Al-Nassr after his contract expired at the end of last season, leaving the club with a significant vacancy in the center of the pitch. Costa, who has established himself as an important midfielder at Real Mallorca, would offer another option in an area that needs greater depth. His arrival could become one of the first major pieces of Al-Nassr’s squad rebuild after the club’s financial restrictions were eased. The Portuguese midfielder is also arriving at a fascinating point in the club’s development. Ronaldo remains the centerpiece of Al-Nassr’s project, while the club is looking to surround its captain with enough quality to compete on multiple fronts.
Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. Cristiano Ronaldo will once again be missing when Al-Nassr takes on Almeria in a preseason friendly, leaving supporters wondering why the Portuguese superstar has yet to return to action. The fixture carries added intrigue because of Ronaldo’s unique connection to the Spanish club, making his absence even more noticeable ahead of one of the final warm-up matches before the new campaign. The friendly, scheduled at the Cidade do Futebol in Oeiras, Portugal, is expected to provide another important test for both clubs. While Al-Nassr continues preparing under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, Almeria is using the occasion to sharpen its squad ahead of the new Segunda Division season. Almeria heads into the match after gradually building rhythm during preseason under new manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta. Friendlies against Aguilas, Granada, and Real Betis have helped the Spanish side improve fitness levels while allowing the coaching staff to implement a possession-based style of play. Monday’s preparations included another double training session, with recent signing Mikel Vesga fully integrated into the squad. Garcia Pimienta has continued emphasizing collective movement and ball retention as the foundations of his football philosophy. ⚽️ ¡Hoy tenemos un gran partido de pretemporada! 🤩🆚 @AlNassrFC.⌚️ 19:00 h. 🇪🇸📍🇵🇹 Cidade do Futebol.📺 Streaming en nuestro perfil de X. 🤝 Partido patrocinado por @Alawalyre.#PretemporadaUDA pic.twitter.com/c45iiRgZbn— UD Almería (@U_D_Almeria) August 4, 2026 On the opposite side, Al-Nassr is also entering the closing stages of its Portuguese training camp. The Saudi champion has produced mixed results so far, losing to Benfica B before defeating Merida and then suffering a 4-2 defeat against Estrela Amadora. Why Ronaldo is missing the match Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature against Almeria because he is still enjoying an extended recovery period following Portugal’s participation in the 2026 World Cup. According to multiple reports, the decision has nothing to do with injury or fitness concerns. Instead, Al-Nassr has granted its captain additional time off before the demanding 2026-27 season begins. Reports indicate Ronaldo will only return after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Portugal. The Lisbon camp concludes on August 5, after which the squad will travel back to Riyadh before making final preparations for the Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Fateh on August 15. That timeline would leave Ronaldo with roughly one week of full training before the competitive campaign begins. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo still expected to be involved Although he will not appear on the pitch, Ronaldo is reportedly expected to attend the match from the VIP section. Spanish newspaper Marca reports suggest the Portuguese icon will watch alongside businessman Mohammed Al-Khereiji, one of his closest business partners. His presence would allow him to support Al-Nassr while also acknowledging another important part of his soccer career away from playing. The visit has also fueled optimism that Ronaldo’s return to team training is drawing closer after several weeks away from the squad. This preseason friendly carries additional significance because the 41-year-old superstar became a part-owner of Almeria earlier this year. In February 2026, the Portuguese legend reportedly acquired a 25 percent ownership stake in the Spanish club through CR7 Sports Investments, partnering with Almeria owner Mohammed Al-Khereiji.
While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. Cristiano Ronaldo will not feature when Al-Nassr faces Estrela Amadora in Portugal, with the Saudi champion continuing its preseason preparations under Ange Postecoglou. While supporters were eager to see the Portuguese icon back on the field, fresh reports have explained why the veteran remains unavailable. The absence has generated plenty of discussion because Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to appear in any of Al-Nassr’s preseason fixtures, even as several of his teammates have already returned from international duty. Instead, the club has chosen to move forward with its Portugal training camp while waiting for its captain to rejoin the squad at a later date. So far, Al-Nassr has experienced mixed preseason results. The Saudi Pro League winner lost 2-1 to Benfica B before bouncing back with a 2-0 victory over Spanish side Merida, with further matches against Estrela Amadora and Almeria still scheduled. However, for Estrela Amadora, the match carries significance beyond being another preseason fixture. The Portuguese club is using the game as its official presentation for the 2026-27 campaign, allowing fans to see the squad before the Primeira Liga season begins. The match also launches the inaugural Trofeu Cidade da Amadora, making it an important event for the home club. Troféu 𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐃𝐀 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐀 🆚 AL Nassr pic.twitter.com/uIuacsjcMr— CF Estrela da Amadora (@estrelamadora) August 1, 2026 Estrela itself has an interesting modern history. After the original club entered bankruptcy in 2011, it was re-established in 2020 through a merger, allowing soccer in Amadora to continue at the professional level. The reason why Ronaldo is missing The Portuguese forward is still enjoying his scheduled break following the 2026 World Cup and is not expected to return until after Al-Nassr completes its preseason camp in Lisbon. According to multiple reports, including Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari, the 41-year-old will not join the squad in Portugal and is instead expected to report once the team returns to Riyadh. Al-Nassr’s overseas camp concludes on August 5, after which the players will receive a short break before final preparations begin for the new Saudi Pro League season. That schedule means Ronaldo is likely to have around one week of full training before the team opens its league title defense against Al-Fateh on August 15. Inigo Martinez and Cristiano Ronaldo in training Ronaldo’s delayed return opens door for Felix Away from soccer, Ronaldo has spent the past several weeks relaxing with his family after the World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently shared vacation photos from Mallorca alongside his son, Cristiano Jr., with one Instagram caption simply reading: “Not yet.” View this post on Instagram The family holiday came after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination against Spain, a tournament that marked the end of Ronaldo’s World Cup career. Following such an emotional conclusion, both the player and the club appear comfortable allowing additional recovery time before he returns to club duties. With Ronaldo unavailable, his compatriot Joao Felix becomes one of the main attractions for the Knight of Najd. The Portugal international has already spent valuable time adapting to Postecoglou’s tactical ideas and is expected to play a major creative role during the friendly.
While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate headlines even while away from the pitch, with fresh reports suggesting the Al-Nassr captain is still not ready to return from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup. While the club pushes ahead with preparations for the new season and the Portugal national team has already concluded its campaign, a new update has emerged that explains why supporters will have to wait a little longer before seeing the veteran forward back in training. The Portuguese superstar has spent the past few weeks enjoying family time after an emotional end to his international career, while Al-Nassr has been conducting its preseason camp in Lisbon under new head coach Ange Postecoglou. Although many expected Ronaldo to return once his mandatory rest period ended, the latest developments point toward a different timetable. The 41-year-old recently shared a glimpse into his vacation by posting photos from Mallorca alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Jr., who is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth academy. The father-son images quickly went viral, especially as the 16-year-old appeared taller than the five-time Ballon d’Or winner while displaying a similarly athletic physique. The Instagram post featured Ronaldo and Cristiano Jr. posing shirtless on a rocky beach, accompanied by the playful caption, “Not yet.” The holiday also included Ronaldo’s fiancée Georgina Rodriguez, with the family enjoying time together following what has been a demanding year on and off the field. Earlier in the vacation, Rodriguez also shared footage of the couple swimming in a scenic underground pool, offering fans another rare look into their private lives. View this post on Instagram Ronaldo’s vacation followed Portugal’s elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, where the national team suffered a narrow defeat against Spain on July 6. The tournament marked the conclusion of the legendary striker’s international career, making the emotional aftermath even more significant. New report explains Ronaldo’s delayed return Following that defeat, the veteran stepped away from soccer to recharge physically and mentally before beginning preparations for another campaign with Al-Nassr. While many expected Ronaldo to report back to Al-Nassr after completing the standard 21-day post-tournament recovery period, fresh information from Saudi journalist Rtiban Al-Dosari paints a different picture. According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo will not rejoin Al-Nassr during the club’s training camp in Lisbon. Instead, the Portuguese forward is expected to wait until after the squad returns from Portugal, meaning his comeback has been pushed back beyond the conclusion of the overseas camp. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Al-Nassr’s preseason camp officially ends on August 5, after which the delegation will travel back to Riyadh. The players are also expected to receive a brief period of rest following their return, meaning Ronaldo’s first training session is now likely to take place only shortly before the start of the competitive season. That schedule would leave the club’s biggest star with roughly one week of full training before Al-Nassr begins the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League campaign on August 15 against Al-Fateh. Al-Nassr squad gradually coming together Although Ronaldo remains absent, the rest of the squad has gradually been reassembled during the Lisbon camp. Abdulelah Al-Amri has already returned after arriving earlier this week. At the same time, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane were also expected to report to the Portuguese camp, leaving Ronaldo as the final notable absentee. Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo Earlier report
Full preview of Saudi Arabia for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Saudi Arabia enters the 2026 World Cup facing significant questions after a turbulent preparation period. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation made a late coaching change in April 2026, bringing in Georgios Donis to lead the roster to North America. Following their historic upset over Argentina in 2022, expectations for the Green Falcons have grown alongside the massive financial investment in the Saudi Pro League. Fans now expect the national team to compete for a knockout spot, rather than simply participating in the group stage. As one of the intriguing FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, Saudi Arabia must prove their domestic growth translates to international success. Placed in a demanding group alongside Spain, Uruguay, and debutants Cape Verde, the challenge is steep. In this World Cup 2026 team preview, we break down the tactical approach, Saudi Arabia key players, and group stage outlook for the squad. Team profile CategoryDetailCoachGeorgios DonisCaptainSalem Al-DawsariNicknameThe Green FalconsFIFA Ranking61stConfederationAFCGroupGroup HBest World Cup ResultRound of 16 (1994)World Cup Appearances7Last World Cup Appearance2022 How Saudi Arabia play Under their new leadership, the Saudi Arabia formation is expected to reflect a front-footed, attacking philosophy. Donis typically favors a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 system that prioritizes pace on the wings and quick transitions. The manager is also known for his tactical flexibility. He will occasionally shift the roster into a 3-5-2 setup to provide extra defensive stability against stronger opponents. During the qualification cycle, the Green Falcons relied heavily on a rigid defensive structure. They conceded an average of just 0.72 goals per game, limiting opponents to minimal clear chances. However, this defensive solidity often came at the expense of attacking output in the final third. Creating chances remains the primary tactical vulnerability for this squad. They averaged only 1.22 goals per match during qualifying, struggling to break down organized defenses. Ultimately, balancing their disciplined defensive shape with enough offensive creativity will determine their success this summer. Georgios Donis: The coach behind Saudi Arabia Georgios Donis took charge of the national team in April 2026 following the sudden departure of Hervé Renard. The federation appointed the Greek manager just two months before the competition, banking on his extensive experience within the country. The new Saudi Arabia coach has spent significant time managing in the Saudi Pro League, including successful stints with Al Hilal, Al Wehda, Al Fateh, and Al Khaleej. This deep understanding of the local player pool means he requires minimal time to evaluate the roster. Known for a demanding and flexible coaching style, the former Panathinaikos manager previously won domestic cups with Al Hilal. While this is his first international management role, his familiarity with the squad’s core pieces could help stabilize the team quickly. Key player: Salem Al-Dawsari Salem Al-Dawsari remains the undeniable creative engine for the Green Falcons. The 34-year-old Al-Hilal star typically operates on the left wing, using his pace and technical ability to cut inside and create shooting opportunities. With 108 international caps and 26 goals, Al-Dawsari brings vital experience to the roster. He is best known for his stunning game-winning strike against Argentina in 2022, highlighting his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. Domestically, the two-time AFC Player of the Year continues to produce exceptional numbers, consistently registering double-digit goal tallies for his club. Saudi Arabia’s road to the 2026 World Cup The journey to secure their spot in North America was unusually difficult for the Green Falcons. Normally dominant in Asian qualifying, the team struggled offensively
The Saudi Pro League has unveiled another honor for Cristiano Ronaldo following his performances with Al Nassr. Al Nassr achieved their long-awaited goal of winning the Saudi Pro League title this season. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo‘s first trophy since joining the club in January 2023, earning him several individual accolades along the way. The latest was announced Thursday through the league’s official social media accounts. “After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Fantasy team of the season is here,” the post on X reads alongside an image featuring the 11 selected players. Cristiano Ronaldo was, unsurprisingly, included as one of the forwards in the lineup, alongside Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Al-Taawoun’s Roger Martinez. The Team of the Season also features one of CR7’s teammates during Al Nassr‘s title-winning campaign: Joao Felix. The other players recognized by the Saudi Pro League were Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Al Qadsiah’s Mohammed Abu Al Shamat and Julian Quinones, Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Ruben Neves, and Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco. After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 @SPLfantasy team of the season is here 👑 pic.twitter.com/S3xE0AZJbr— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 4, 2026 What is Saudi Pro League Fantasy? Saudi Pro League Fantasy is a virtual manager game that allows fans to build their ideal team from the league and compete against other users on a weekly basis. Each participant receives an initial budget to select players, with certain restrictions, including a maximum of three players from the same club. Based on the performances of those selected players in each match, users earn points. The combined total from the 11 selected players determines the winner of each Matchday and, ultimately, the overall season champion. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the highest-scoring players of the season in Saudi Pro League Fantasy with 296 points, earning him a place in the Team of the Season. The top performer was Julian Quinones with 356 points, followed by Ivan Toney with 319 and Joao Felix with 311. Other honors received by Ronaldo this season The Saudi Pro League Fantasy Team of the Season selection adds to a lengthy list of honors Cristiano Ronaldo received during Al Nassr’s title-winning 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese forward was also named among the five finalists for the Player of the Season award, which was voted on by team captains, coaches, media representatives and fans. However, Joao Felix claimed the top honor. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was voted Fans’ Player of the Season.
With reports linking Pep Guardiola as the next coach, Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr announced the departure of Jorge Jesus. No sooner had Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title than the club was dealt a significant blow, with Jorge Jesus confirming his departure. While reports have surfaced linking Pep Guardiola as a potential successor, Al Nassr has now officially announced the end of Jesus‘s one-year tenure. Jesus’s arrival had been closely tied to Ronaldo’s own influence at the club following the forward’s contract renewal in June, with the Portuguese coach later revealing that Ronaldo’s personal involvement was a key reason he took the job. Despite the success they achieved together, Jesus’s contract ran its course and his decision to move on appears to have been made well in advance of the final announcement. The possibility of a one-year extension had been on the table, at least from Al Nassr’s perspective. Club president Abdullah Al-Majed acknowledged “ongoing attempts to convince Jorge Jesus to stay,” and a salary increase was reportedly offered as part of the renewal pitch, but no agreement was ultimately reached. Al Nassr‘s official account marked the occasion with a video tribute. “He arrived taking on the challenge… and he leaves us as a champion,” the club wrote, paying tribute to the SPL triumph that bookended his single season in charge. What a journey. What a chapter. 🏆💛Obrigado, Mister 🙏🏼#ChampionStateOfMind pic.twitter.com/kVKSnRXkRX— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) May 28, 2026 “Thank you, Jesus, for everything you have given to your club, Al Nassr… And you will always remain a lover of, and beloved by, the Nassrawi fans,” the message concluded. Jesus, who has been linked with clubs including Fenerbahce, Brazilian sides and even the Portugal national team, has since indicated he will spend time in Rio de Janeiro before deciding his next move. Across his 49 games in charge, Jesus compiled a record of 40 wins, two draws and seven defeats, averaging an impressive 2.49 points per game, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history and breaking the 7-year trophy drought. Ronaldo was the driving force of that era, contributing 30 goals and five assists in 37 appearances to finish as the top scorer under the Portuguese manager. Is a Pep Guardiola arrival at Al Nassr feasible? As speculation about Jesus’s replacement gathered pace, Pep Guardiola quickly emerged as one of the headline names, having already confirmed his departure from Manchester City. Reports from Saudi newspaper Al-Youm went as far as claiming that Al Nassr had offered Guardiola an annual salary of $150 million, which would make him the highest-paid manager in the history of the sport. Speaking to Saudi media outlet Okaz, Guardiola‘s representative Josep Maria Orobitg confirmed that contact had been made but stopped well short of describing it as a serious offer: “There was a contact a month and a half ago, just a contact, without any commitment or written offer. There was also a contact with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation about 15 days ago, but there will be no further contacts for the moment.“ When pressed specifically on the reported salary figures, the representative was dismissive. “The amount mentioned is not true,” he said, while not denying that conversations had taken place. “At the moment, neither Al Nassr nor the Saudi Arabian Football Federation have great opportunities to sign Guardiola. Pep will not sign for any club or team right now. There are already a large number of interested clubs and teams, but all of this is being discussed for the future,” he added. Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City. With Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract running through June 2027, only one season remains before a potential retirement announcement at age 42. Planning for the 2026-27 campaign is already underway, but landing Guardiola as the club’s next head coach appears to be a far more co
Latest reports suggest Ronaldo’s role inside the club could become even more influential moving forward. Cristiano Ronaldo finally delivered the moment Al-Nassr had been waiting for since his arrival in Saudi Arabia. After years of pressure, near misses, and growing scrutiny surrounding the project in Riyadh, the Portuguese superstar lifted the Saudi Pro League trophy following a dramatic title-winning campaign that restored the club to the top of Saudi soccer. The celebrations after the decisive 4-1 victory over Damac were emotional across the club, but behind the scenes, attention quickly shifted toward what comes next. With Jorge Jesus stepping away after fulfilling his mission and Al-Nassr entering a new phase, major decisions are expected to shape the project’s future. Jesus confirmed his departure immediately after securing the championship, ending a successful but relatively short spell in charge of the Riyadh side. The veteran Portuguese coach arrived with one clear objective: to help Ronaldo and Al-Nassr end their long wait for the league title. Jorge Jesus leaves after completing his mission Al-Nassr finished the campaign with 86 points, narrowly ahead of fierce rival Al-Hilal, to secure the club’s first Saudi league championship since 2019. The title also gave Ronaldo his first major domestic trophy in Saudi Arabia after several frustrating seasons. Following the final match, Jesus openly admitted that the mission had always been temporary. “I accepted this challenge only because I told Cristiano: ‘I will help you become champion, we will win the trophy, and then I will leave.’ That’s it. For me, the mission is complete,” the Portuguese coach said after the Damac victory. The statement immediately sparked speculation about the future direction of Al-Nassr. Although the coach announced his intention to leave, the club hierarchy reportedly moved quickly to try to change his mind. Club president Abdullah Al-Majed publicly confirmed that Al-Nassr wanted Jesus to remain in charge. “We will do everything possible to keep Jesus because he has made a significant difference,” Al-Majed explained in a televised interview. Ronaldo tried to convince Jesus to stay Reports from Saudi media later revealed that Ronaldo himself became heavily involved in efforts to keep the coach at the club. According to the Arabic electronic platform winwin, the Portuguese forward already knew before the final game that Jesus intended to leave once the title was secured. Ronaldo reportedly asked Jesus to stay for another season in order to preserve stability inside the project, but the coach refused despite receiving a massive renewal offer from Al-Nassr. The two figures are said to have held a private meeting before the final match against Damac. During that conversation, Jesus reportedly reminded Ronaldo of the promise he made when taking over the team. “Jesus held a meeting with Ronaldo before the last match against Damac, and told him that he must lead the team to victory in the match and win the title as he promised him, and then he will leave,” winwin reported. The same report added that Jesus informed Ronaldo he would never coach another Saudi club in the future and believed it was the correct moment to walk away after achieving success with Al-Nassr and previously leaving a mark with Al-Hilal as well. Ronaldo’s new role revealed The biggest revelation, however, arrived shortly afterward as the latest reports suggest Ronaldo’s role inside the club could become even more influential moving forward. According to 365Scores Arabic, Ronaldo will be involved in helping Al-Nassr choose the club’s next head coach. The report also claimed that the Portuguese superstar is considering several options, including a world-class Portuguese manager capable of continuing the project’s momentum. This move exemplifies how central the 41-year-old has become to the club’s sporting direction since arriving in Saudi Arabia. His influence already transformed Al-Nas
Jorge Jesus looks set to remain Cristiano Ronaldo’s head coach after Al Nassr and the Portuguese manager reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a contract extension. Cristiano Ronaldo has finally snapped his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing the Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 victory over Damac on the season’s final matchday. Yet, just as the club achieved its ultimate domestic objective, Jorge Jesus shocked the fan base by announcing his departure—a situation that has now taken an unexpected U-turn. Heading into the season finale against Damac, the Portuguese tactician made it clear that his primary mission was helping Ronaldo claim silverware in the Gulf. After a painful defeat in the AFC Champions League Two final against Japan’s Gamba Osaka, Jesus and Ronaldo found immediate redemption by locked down the league championship. Following the trophy celebrations, the 71-year-old manager initially confirmed in an interview with Canal GOAT that the match against Damac would be his last at the helm of Al Nassr. However, global transfer news insider Ekrem Konur completely shifted the narrative, providing fresh hope to the Riyadh-based fans by revealing that Jesus is now likely to stay. The insider reported that Al Nassr and Jorge Jesus have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to extend the manager’s contract for an additional year. The breakthrough follows official comments from club president Abdullah Al-Majed, who pushed for Jesus to stay and had recently confirmed that the front office was actively launching ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay. Jorge Jesus kisses Cristiano Ronaldo on the cheek. (Getty Images) Portugal National Team on the horizon The sudden contract drama comes amid intense speculation linking Jorge Jesus to the Portugal National Team job. While Roberto Martinez currently serves as Portugal’s head coach, the Spanish manager is widely expected to step down following the conclusion of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Addressing the rumors upon his arrival at a Portuguese airport, Jesus admitted to reporters that turning down his country’s top job would be a monumental challenge. “Who can say no to the national team? I have previously declined one of the best teams in the world, and I cannot say no to another,” Jesus stated, referencing his past decision to reject an official approach from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to manage the Seleção. Nevertheless, Jesus was quick to downplay any immediate distraction, emphasizing that Portugal needs a calm environment just days away from the tournament kicking off in North America. “I am not considering this possibility now. The World Cup is approaching, Portugal needs calm, the coach needs calm, and I do not want to get involved in such chaos,” he concluded.
Despite the coach's decision, Cristiano Ronaldo could witness a U-turn on Jorge Jesus' departure as Al Nassr president is pushing for the 71-year-old boss to stay next season. Cristiano Ronaldo’s post-championship celebrations suffered an immediate setback following Al Nassr‘s 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title triumph, as manager Jorge Jesus abruptly announced his departure from the club. However, the 41-year-old superstar may yet see a dramatic U-turn, with Al Nassr’s president publicly revealing that the front office is launching a massive push to retain the veteran tactician. Following Thursday’s title-clinching victory over Damac FC, Jorge Jesus shocked reporters by using his post-match press conference to announce he was stepping down, stating he had fulfilled the exact promise that led him to accept the vacancy in the first place. With his current deal expiring in June 2026, the manager remained tight-lipped regarding his next destination, noting only that he was headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a well-deserved vacation. Yet, the separation might not be a done deal just yet. In a statement compiled by Saudi outlet Al-Wyam, Al Nassr club president Abdullah Al-Majed made the board’s aggressive stance abundantly clear: “At the current moment, there are ongoing attempts to convince Jesus to stay, and we will convince him, God willing.“ Alongside high-profile arrivals like Iñigo Martinez, Joao Felix, and Kingsley Coman, Jorge Jesus masterminded one of the most dominant campaigns in Al Nassr history. The 71-year-old manager orchestrated the best start to a season in SPL history with 11 consecutive wins, while also shattering the club record with a 20-match win streak across all competitions (16 in league play, four in the AFC Champions League Two). Coach Jorge Jesus and Al Nassr players celebrate the win against Al Ittihad with the fans. Having already experienced immense success with arch-rivals Al Hilal, Jesus was personally targeted for the job by Ronaldo, eventually guiding the club to the finals of both the Saudi Super Cup and the Champions League Two. Over his 49-game tenure, he accumulated an outstanding 40-2-7 record, averaging a staggering 2.49 points per match. Al-Majed also established clear timelines and expectations for Al Nassr’s upcoming 2026-27 campaign. “Work on the next season will begin immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday (in June), focusing on preparing the squad and securing upcoming transfers… the work ahead will be very substantial,” the club president concluded. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly pressuring management to finalize renewal By declaring his mission accomplished at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus immediately sparked rumors linking him to high-profile roles at Fenerbahce, a return to Brazilian club soccer, or potentially taking over the Portugal national team after the World Cup. With the manager’s future hanging in the balance, Ronaldo is reportedly eager to flex his immense institutional leverage to force a change of heart. According to 365 Scores Arabic, Ronaldo is heavily pressuring Al Nassr’s executive board to iron out the details and lock Jesus down to a one-year contract extension. The timing of the contract is critical; Ronaldo is currently tied to the club through June 2027, meaning Jesus would have the opportunity to manage the iconic forward through what could realistically be the final season of his legendary professional career. As it stands, Jesus holds all the leverage in negotiations and will likely demand significant backing from the hierarchy to reconsider his exit. Reports suggest the manager’s list of demands includes a substantial salary increase paired with a guarantee of six major summer signings, a clear effort to avoid the squad depth issues that plagued the club during the 2026 winter window, when a lack of transfer activity reportedly prompted a frustrated Ronaldo to go on a brief two-game strike.
Saudi Arabia unveiled a 30-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including six teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The Saudi Pro League title in 2025-26 cemented Al Nassr as the strongest team in the country, which translated into a major presence from the club in Saudi Arabia’s preliminary squad. Six teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo now have a chance to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Saudi Arabia national team head coach Georgios Donis has confirmed his 30-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the Saudi Pro League announced this Saturday in a statement published on its official website. Of those players, 28 compete in the domestic league, one plays in the second division, and only one plays abroad: Saud Abdulhamid, a defender for Lens in France. Al Nassr have the second-highest number of players called up to the national team, with six total selections. Only Al Hilal have more, with seven. The other club heavily represented in Saudi Arabia’s 30-man roster is Al Ahli, with five players. The teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo and recent Saudi Pro League champions selected to the squad are goalkeeper Nawaf Al Aqidi, defenders Abdulelah Al Amri and Nawaf Boushal, midfielders Abdullah Al Khaibari and Ayman Yahya, and forward Abdullah Al Hamdan. 𝗨𝗦𝗔-𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 🇸🇦✈️The 30-man preliminary squad selected for Saudi Arabia's #FIFAWorldCup preparations 📋We're with you all the way 💯 pic.twitter.com/0PaBd7w67G— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) May 23, 2026 Key dates for Saudi Arabia ahead of the World Cup This 30-player roster will eventually be reduced to 26, with FIFA’s final deadline set for June 1. Before that, however, the team will travel to the United States to continue preparations, beginning with a friendly against Ecuador on May 30 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in New Jersey. The second friendly will take place six days later against Puerto Rico in Austin, Texas, while the team’s final tune-up match is scheduled for June 9 against Senegal in San Antonio. From there, Saudi Arabia will turn their attention to their World Cup opener against Uruguay on June 15. Spain and Cape Verde will be the other teams in Group H. Saudi Arabia coach reveals his plans During the press conference in which Saudi Arabia unveiled its 30-player preliminary roster, head coach Georgios Donis discussed his plans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. “I want to see my team from the first game very organised, very disciplined, to show our ambition and then to see what happens,” Donis explained. However, he later urged caution and warned against expecting “miracles” like the victory over Argentina at Qatar 2022: “It is better to look at the forest, not the tree.”
As the season draws to a close, Cristiano Ronaldo walked away empty-handed regarding individual Saudi Pro League honors, while compatriots Joao Felix and Jorge Jesus scooped up major end-of-year recognitions. Cristiano Ronaldo finally shattered his silverware drought in Saudi Arabia, capturing his first official trophy with Al Nassr following a resounding 4-1 triumph over Damac to lift the Saudi Pro League crown. Yet, despite an exceptional individual campaign, the Portuguese icon was surprisingly overlooked for the league’s top individual honors—prizes that instead went to Joao Felix and manager Jorge Jesus. The legendary forward served as the foundational pillar of Al Nassr’s title charge. With 30 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, he finished as the club’s absolute top marksman for the season, leading their domestic campaign with 28 league tallies. Remarkably, those staggering numbers weren’t enough to secure him the Player of the Season award, which the Saudi Pro League ultimately handed to Joao Felix. The dynamic Portuguese forward enjoyed an exceptional campaign of his own, directly powering the team’s championship run with a phenomenal output of 20 goals and 13 assists in his debut season. Felix wasn’t the only Al Nassr figure to walk away with a year-end honor. The Saudi Pro League also named Jorge Jesus as the Manager of the Season, rewarding a masterclass tactical campaign in which he guided the club to an incredible record of 28 victories, two draws, and a mere four defeats. Al Nassr’s mastermind Jorge Jesus wins the Manager of the Season award in the #RoshnSaudiLeague for 2025/26! 🧠 Presented by @roshnksa pic.twitter.com/vqoZNvtnra— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 22, 2026 Ronaldo misses out on historic Golden Boot milestone Ronaldo entered the Saudi Pro League campaign on the precipice of soccer history. Had the legendary attacker secured the Golden Boot, it would have marked his third consecutive top-scorer crown, making him only the third player in league history to achieve the three-peat. If Ronaldo had clinched the 2025/26 Golden Boot, he would have joined an elite club featuring Al Ahli legend Omar Al Somah (2014/15 to 2016/17) and Al Nassr icon Majed Abdullah (1978/79 to 1980/81) as the only players to have won the award in three straight seasons. Instead, the veteran striker had to settle for a place in the top three. Ronaldo finished third in the race with his 28 goals, falling just short of Al Ahli frontman Ivan Toney (32 goals) and the ultimate winner, Al Qadsiyah’s Julian Quiñones, who topped the charts with 33 tallies. Ronaldo won match-day awards throughout the campaign While Cristiano missed out on a major end-of-season individual trophy, his campaign was far from devoid of recognition; he racked up an impressive eight Man of the Match awards over the course of the season. Even so, that achievement was narrowly eclipsed by Joao Felix, who took home the honor nine times to finish as Al Nassr’s most decorated match-day performer this year.
In a closely contested match, Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title. Although Damac put up a strong fight, Sadio Mané’s goal turned the game around, securing the championship for Jorge Jesus’ team. After a consistent season, Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned champion of the Saudi Pro League for the first time since his arrival in the Middle East. Al Nassr and Damac played out a match that appeared to be fairly even, but Sadio Mané’s goal ultimately turned the game around, putting Al Nassr in the spotlight. With this victory, the Portuguese veteran ends a six-year drought without winning a league title. Damac FC managed to impose a promising style of play in the opening minutes. Taking advantage of the spaces in the rival defense, they shined with long passes that allowed their forwards to win through speed. After failing to convert their numerous chances, they gradually became more overwhelmed by the high press of Al Nassr. In addition, they adopted a defensive approach after the goal from Sadio Mané, cutting off any chance of equalising the match. Without Marcelo Brozovic, Al Nassr struggled to build plays and apply high pressure. While Abdullah Alkhaibari shone with his defensive presence and offensive contributions, Ayman Yaya seemed quite lost, leaving a noticeable creative void. Nevertheless, Sadio Mané and João Félix emerged as the most influential players on the field, creating scoring opportunities and setting up the winning goal. João Félix managed to be the most decisive player for Al Nassr FC, even if he did not score. Not only did he drop deep to receive the ball in midfield, but he also created spaces in attack. With his vision and change of pace, he moved all around the pitch, giving creativity to a team that seemed lost on the wings. Nevertheless, Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace emerged as the most important part of the game, outshining Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman to win the Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr are your 2025/26 #RoshnSaudiLeague Champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IkQXTMNPtx— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 21, 2026 Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace outshined Sadio Mane and Kingsley Coman Throughout the match, Sadio Mané emerged as Al Nassr’s standout player, scoring the decisive goal that shifted the momentum. Head coach Jorge Jesus focused on making the wings the focal point of the game, allowing the Senegalese forward to shine. Following a corner kick by João Félix, Mané found himself unmarked in Damac’s penalty area. He won the aerial duel and headed the ball into the net to score the goal. بصناعة جواو فيليكس 🎯ساديو ماني يسجل هدف التقدم للنصر ⚽️هكذا جاء الهدف الأول 🟡#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/3SAOq4R3lR— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Far from slowing down their offensive pace in the second half, Al Nassr continued to shine down the wings. After a spectacular run by Nawaf Boushal, he found Kingsley Coman and passed him the ball. The Frenchman dribbled past Damac’s defenders, playing a give-and-go with Abdullah Alkhaibari to find himself alone on the edge of the box. Taking advantage of his powerful shot, he unleashed a fierce strike, leaving Kewin with no chance. كومان يعزز تقدم النصر بتسديدة من خارج المنطقة ⚽️🔥قصة هدف النصر الثاني كاملة 🟡#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/BQoTumZsMM— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Despite great performances from Mane and Coman, Cristiano Ronaldo outshone them both with a spectacular brace. Although he went largely unnoticed for much of the match, he managed to score a spectacular free kick from what seemed like a tight angle. Far from stopping there, he doubled down, scoring a brace after a pass from Joao Felix inside the box, beating Kewin of Damac once again.
Cristiano Ronaldo led Al Nassr FC to the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title and took center stage during the celebrations. This Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo ended his long wait of nearly three and a half years by winning his first official title with Al Nassr after securing the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League crown, playing a central role in the title run with his goals. The Portuguese forward delivered a crucial performance throughout the season, recording 28 goals and three assists in 30 matches. That impact was evident again in Thursday’s decisive clash against Damac, where he scored a brace that helped calm his team during a tense moment in the match. The final whistle sealed the title for Al Nassr, ending a seven-year drought since the club’s previous league triumph in the 2018-19 season. From there came the expected scenes of relief, happiness, and emotion from the players, with much of the focus on Cristiano Ronaldo. He had been substituted in the closing minutes by coach Jorge Jesus, making way for Abdullah Al-Hamdan. During those final moments, television cameras repeatedly captured Cristiano’s emotions, including tears in his eyes. Cristiano Ronaldo lifts the 2025/26 #RoshnSaudiLeague trophy 🏆 pic.twitter.com/gjFKcDJ4vd— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) May 21, 2026 Once the celebrations began, it was time for the trophy ceremony. One by one, Al Nassr staff members stepped forward to receive their medals, led by Jorge Jesus. Then came the players, with the captain saved for last. When Ronaldo’s turn arrived, he was handed the Saudi Pro League trophy, which he lifted surrounded by his teammates. Ronaldo receives another Saudi Pro League honor In addition to wearing the champions medal around his neck and lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy as Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo also received another honor for his decisive performance on Thursday. The Saudi Pro League named him Player of the Match, a logical recognition considering his two goals and overall influence throughout the game. Official:Cristiano Ronaldo named the player of the match. pic.twitter.com/aqZqkxLkEW— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) May 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s first reaction after the title Amid the celebrations and trophy ceremony, Cristiano Ronaldo took a moment to share a post on his official social media accounts. He posted an image featuring a collage of photos of himself wearing the Al Nassr jersey, including one of him lifting the Saudi Pro League trophy, accompanied by a single word: “CHAMPIONS!!!!!” CHAMPIONS!!!!! 🏆 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/8x9nzGHRx1— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) May 21, 2026
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace in the 4-1 Al Nassr win over Damac FC to secure the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Al Nassr hosted Damac FC at Al Awwal Park on Thursday for a high-stakes Matchday 34 showdown in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League, with the league title on the line in a fierce race against Al Hilal. To push his side to the championship trophy, Cristiano Ronaldo converted a spectacular free kick and a ruthless open-play finish to fire the hosts to a commanding 4-1 victory. Sitting on 83 points, Al Nassr entered the match needing a victory to control their own destiny and prevent Al Hilal from snatching the trophy from their hands. Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a brilliant header, and then Kingsley Coman doubled the advantage with a powerful left-footed strike in the 52nd minute, before Morlaye Sylla cut the deficit from the penalty spot in the 58th. With Al Nassr already holding a narrow 2-1 advantage, Joao Felix tried to generate an opening down the left flank before being brought down by a heavy challenge. Despite facing a difficult, narrow angle, Ronaldo stepped up to take the set piece and fired a powerful strike that skipped off the turf and past the diving keeper to extend the lead in the 63rd minute. من ركلة حرة ⚽️كريستيانو رونالدو يوسّع النتيجة لصالح النصر 🐐🟡قصة هدف النصر الثالث كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/wkiQBok6VF— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Then in the 81st minute, Al Nassr orchestrated a brilliant team sequence down the right flank spearheaded by Coman; after a defender failed to clear a dangerous cross, Ronaldo collected the loose ball inside the six-yard box and unleashed a thunderous strike to net his second goal of the night. الهدف الرابع، وهدف يقرّب الحسم 🟡قصة هدف النصر الرابع كاملة 🎥#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/4H0uvkR4AT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Immediately after celebrating, the Portuguese legend dedicated the decisive goal to his wife, Georgina Rodriguez, who was watching from the stands. As he walked back to the halfway line, an emotional Ronaldo was seen breaking down in tears, overwhelmed by the moment as he finally brought his trophy drought with Al Nassr to an emphatic end. With the championship safely secured, manager Jorge Jesus made the decision to sub out Cristiano Ronaldo for Abdullah Al Hamdan, sending the captain to the sideline to a deafening standing ovation. Once on the bench, Ronaldo remained visibly emotional, soaking in the gravity of the moment as Al Nassr officially crowned themselves Saudi Pro League champions. مشاعر كبيرة ودموع فرح من كريستيانو رونالدو 🥹#النصر_ضمك | #دوري_روشن_السعودي pic.twitter.com/Y9CtYNn6TT— رياضة ثمانية (@thmanyahsports) May 21, 2026 Ronaldo extends career goal record to 973 Seven years had passed since Al Nassr last lifted the league trophy, making this first official piece of silverware in Saudi Arabia an incredibly special milestone for Cristiano Ronaldo, especially just days after a heartbreaking loss to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final. Beyond securing the SPL crown, the Portuguese icon has now extended his legendary career total to 973 goals. With tonight’s decisive brace, Ronaldo has racked up 129 goals in 148 appearances for Al Nassr, including 30 tallies across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. Now sitting just 27 goals away from the mythical 1,000-goal milestone, anticipation surrounding Ronaldo’s historic pursuit will only intensify as he pivots to his next major challenge: the 2026 World Cup.
Despite their recent draw against Al Hilal, Al Nassr remain a strong contender to win the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. However, they must secure a victory today against Damac. To that end, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo, as he could be the difference-maker in terms of scoring. Al Nassr have managed to become as one of the best teams in the Middle East. Not only did they shine in the AFC Champions League Two, but they have also done so in the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. With this in mind, they face Damac today, needing a victory to crown as league champions after many years of drought. For this, fans are keeping a close eye on Cristiano Ronaldo as he points to be differential from a goalscoring perspective. Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Al Nassr FC, being in full physical condition. While he comes from two games without scoring, the Portuguese striker has shown a great ability to shine in high-pressure moments. In addition, the 41-year-old star managed to score in the previous match between both teams, giving signs that it could happen again today, as he looks to close the gap in the top scorers table. Coupled with Cristiano Ronaldo, head coach Jorge Jesus will repeat the successful setup with João Félix. In addition, Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman will be the options on the wings, as they come in strong form with Al Nassr. Being one of the best attacking teams, they aim to dominate heavily from a goalscoring perspective, as their opponent is one of the teams with the most defensive instability. Unlike Al Nassr FC, Damac are not coming from their best season. With only 29 points, they are fighting to avoid relegation, battling with Al Riyadh SC, meaning they absolutely need a victory. However, they have not shined from a defensive perspective, conceding 51 goals. Despite this, head coach Fábio Carille could opt for an offensive approach, seeking to take advantage of the spaces behind the defense of Cristiano Ronaldo’s team in order to search for a victory. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr battling for the ball during the Saudi pro league match vs Damac. Al Nassr confirmed lineup vs Damac After their dominant season, Al Nassr arrive as clear favorites to take the victory against Damac, as they have not lost against them since 2021. However, head coach Jorge Jesus will not be able to count on Marcelo Brozović and Sultan Al-Ghannam due to injury. Despite this, they still maintain their main stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, who will be boosted by the speed and dribbling ability of Sadio Mané and Kingsley Coman. With this in mind, Al Nassr will lineup as follows: Bento Krepski; Nawaf Boushal, Mohamed Simakan, Abdulelah Al-Amri, Inigo Martinez; Kingsley Coman, Ayman Yahya, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Sadio Mane; Joao Félix, Cristiano Ronaldo. Damac confirmed lineup vs Al Nassr Damac arrive with the urgent need to secure a victory against Al Nassr, as they need to avoid relegation. Goalkeeper Kewin Silva could be vital in preventing Cristiano Ronaldo or João Félix from shining. Considering this, they could lineup as follows: Kewin; Sanousi Al-Hawsawi, Jamal Harkass, Abdelkader Bedrane, Abdulrahman Al-Obaid; Hasssan Rabei, Abdu, Dhari Al Anazi, Morlaye Sylla, Arielson, Jonathan Okita.
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